LED lighting

Question
I have seen new LED lighting for saltwater tanks.  Claims to give more light than my T5 fixture with lunar and shimmering effects.  Other benefits include no bulb changing and no heat production so the unit is quiet.    What is your opinion of these lights?  I have a 75 gallon tank.

Answer
Hi Laura,

Great question.

My opinion is the following: I do like VHO and HO T5 lights, they do provide great spread. However they also need to be replaced a minimum of once a year, and they do create heat. I believe they will still be popular for a few more years to come.

In terms of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) this is where the future of all lighting is headed, and this definitely includes aquarium lighting.

LEDs are now being made to provide enough light intensity in terms of PAR, Spread, and Spectral Output to match and even exceed T5's, Compact Fluorescents and Metal Halides. Since most of todays LEDs can last over 50,000 hours (the equivalent of 5 years) they won't need annual replacement. They also run extremely cool, therefore, this allows hobbyists to not have to run a chiller or other apparatus to help keep their aquarium cool.

In conclusion I love this technology. We will definitely be seeing more of it in the future, in all aspects of our lives.

See the following link below from OCReef.com (my favorite online aquarium store), they have an awesome aquarium led light out on the aquarium market right now.

http://www.ocreef.com/ocreef_xp-e_and_reg_60_watt_cree_and_trade_led_aquarium_li...

Thanks again for the question.

Regards,

All Experts - Editor