nanocube HQI vs LED

runn3rb3an

runn3rb3an

Active Member
I decided I definitely wanted one of these tanks but which one will give me the best and brightest light? This is a comparison on just the light alone. Not heat or price or anything. I saw a really nice led frag set up today and the colors were truly amazing. Will the nanocube leds be this bright too? Can anybody with experience with any of these 2 give me feedback or recommendations on what I should do?
Would the metal halide upgraded to a 20 K bulb and with actinics be as nice as the led setup?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
nikesb

nikesb

Active Member
i think the mh with a 20k radium would be a nicer set up. LED's are really nice, but if theyre not ones you can control to your liking, its not gonna give you what u want.
 
nikesb

nikesb

Active Member
anythings possible with effort :p Like you, i like it a little on the blue side as well. Right now im on 4x24w t5ho with 2 blue+, 1 aquascience 22000k and 1 ati aquablue special (12000k) which is not blue enough for me. I am thinking of adding 460nm actinic LED to help with the color i want.
 
runn3rb3an

runn3rb3an

Active Member
i think im just gunna get the HQI and retrofit some blue LED's on it. my lfs has this strip for like 90 bucks, ill probably just take it apart and fit it into the hood. they dont need reflectors or anything special do they?
 
nikesb

nikesb

Active Member
no. you're using them for supplementation not for par value. ur par value will be just dandy with the HQI
 
tang master

tang master

Member
well, i would definately do a DIY led into the hood. You would be hitting par levels far beyond that of a halide and get way better color. Also, if you use dimmable drivers you will be able to fine tune your leds to your prefered look and even simulate sunrise/sunset effects. Initial cost is a little more expensive but the leds last up to 11 years.
 
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