LED vs Metal Halide

**o2bubble** · 22nd Feb 2017, 02:12

Hi guys, I'm looking to restart this long lost hobby after moving to a new house in June

I used to use Giesemann metal halide sets with ADA bulbs and works well although a chiller will be needed to cool the heats from the light.... I will still likely use a chiller, I'd definitely be happy to have less heat in the house and thus less electricity bills and noise from the running of the chillers when kick in

Tuhs, I'm considering LED but would like your comments on the pros and cons of using it in particular the results of the plant's growth and conditions compared to MH (I'm looking to have mainly java ferns, bolbitis, mosses and some glosso as plants in my new tank). Thanks!

**vinz** · 22nd Feb 2017, 08:16

How long ago was your last tank? The current wisdom is that we don't need as much light as what was touted before. Instead, balance the nuitrients and of course our old friend, CO2. Also the larger the tank, the lower the so-called WPG, as WPG does not scale with tank volume.

Nowadays very few people use MH. LED is the new trend, but some are still sticking with T5. Later, I'll embedded a few YouTube videos by an AQ member that gives good overviews of lighting for planted these days.

~ Sent from Moto X Style via Tapatalk ~

**vinz** · 22nd Feb 2017, 09:49

By the way, what size tank are you planning? If you're thinking MH, I'm guessing at least a 4 footer?

Here are the videos by the AQ member (I'll let him Identify himself, if he wishes).

Lights:
https://youtu.be/jKHwDfv6ETg
https://youtu.be/qoOpizZrtOM

Nutirents and Algae:
https://youtu.be/WxZI8akyxbg
https://youtu.be/KDdpUe4Olcg

He's got dozen more videos and they worth watching.

**Goalkeeper** · 22nd Feb 2017, 21:58

I Was guessing whose videos you will attach before opening the links and I was right! His came immediately to my mind on this subject. I watched his videos before and have to say they were very well done! He did a great job explaining the different concepts in simple easy to understand terms! Great videos to watch!! Always have high respect for people who make effort and time to pass down their knowledge and experience! Cheers!!

**o2bubble** · 22nd Feb 2017, 22:57

My tank was decommissioned 3.5 years ago and back then, LED was a new entry into aquascaping world and I always felt it will be mainstream very soon and I think I'm right

Anyway, I'm looking to have 4 or 5 ft tank for my new house and also switching to using a sump tank instead (always wanted to try given some good reviews by bros).

**o2bubble** · 22nd Feb 2017, 23:28

The videos are very good and one important point I picked up is to decide what kind of layout of the scape and plants you want to grow to decide which light fixture will suit best

**vinz** · 22nd Feb 2017, 23:51

Originally Posted by o2bubble

My tank was decommissioned 3.5 years ago and back then, LED was a new entry into aquascaping world and I always felt it will be mainstream very soon and I think I'm right

Anyway, I'm looking to have 4 or 5 ft tank for my new house and also switching to using a sump tank instead (always wanted to try given some good reviews by bros).

I'm using a sump for my 6 ft planted. Will be happy to share any suggestions and ideas with you. There are modifications that can be made to the standard design that I feel would be better for reducing CO2 lost. Currently the tank makers will give you a tall drain pipe and submerged drain if they know you're doing planted, but I feel more can be done.

~ Sent from Moto X Style via Tapatalk ~

**o2bubble** · 23rd Feb 2017, 00:34

Was trying to catch up on my lost years on lighting fixtures and so many to choose from on LED !! Came across Giesemann Aurora (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2515803) and ADA latest Solar RGB (http://www.adana.co.jp/en/solar_rgb/index.html) seems to be one of the best (if you don't mind the cost of course

). Anyone used them before and came to comment?

**Shadow** · 23rd Feb 2017, 08:45

IMO after a while in this hobby you will realize spectrum does not really matter especially if you re-scape once a year like I did

. Not that they are useless, its just you probably wont notice the different. Get something that suite your eyes and importantly meet your budget

.

**swordtail** · 13th Mar 2017, 10:39

With our weather temperature here in Singapore, if I use LED light is required to have a chiller? I understand LED produce more heat compare to T5

**Shadow** · 13th Mar 2017, 11:26

LED produce heat at join, hence the heat sink at the back. The light ray it self not hot (no infrared component maybe). Unlike Metal halide, the light ray itself is hot.

**leehyeok** · 19th Dec 2017, 14:52

Hi Vinz,

I have a 3ft planted with a sump. any suggestions to reduce the co2 loss?

**fishtanksetups** · 7th Jan 2018, 08:04

Highly recommend aquarium led lighting for anyone.

They're a bit pricey but they save you money on your electric bill, they don't heat your tank, and they're not so bulky.
Only con for me is they can't be replaced after warranty is expired, you'd have to purchase another one.