led watt ??

[lbannie]

Ok maybe a dumb question..... I'm looking at a 240 watt LED fixture. It's made with 2 watt LEDs(led brand semi/bridgelux). I currently have a 4 bulb T5 sytem, each bulb being 39 watts. So a total of 156 watts. My question is since the LED says it has more watts, Is it actually more energy efficient than what I have? I hope I'm making sense, this is all confusing to me!! Will the LED be better than what I currently have? I'll post a link if it's allowed, to show you what I'm looking at....

 

[mr. limpid]

With LED and T5 the total watts is not what you are looking for its the par. My opinion 2 watt LED do not cut it for SPS or claims, it is fine for LPS and softies. What size tank do you have and what type of coral, etc.

 

[lbannie]

40 gallon breeder, mostly lps and some soft corals..... I think I'm just going to buy new bulbs for my T5 light for now

 

[mr. limpid]

Since you already have fixture buying new bulbs are prob the better option. I personal would wait on the LED till prices come down (they all ready starting too) and they figure out the best config on bulb type.

 

[lbannie]

Yeah, I think it's safer!! Eventually I'm going to upgrade my tank, so by then I'm hoping I can go all LED! I'm buying ATI bulbs this time, (have wavepoints now....) I'm thinking of doing 1 aquablue special, 2 blue plus, and 1 actinic. Does that seem like a good combo? Some say add purple.... this is all so confusing! Just found a place where I can get 6 bulbs at a pretty good deal, so I'm thinking I can have the extra 2 to play around with to see what looks better!

 

[mr. limpid]

I never went T5's myself went right into LED. As for brand yes a lot of people sat ATI are great, as for type maybe others will chime in.