Most of the time that LEDs are thought to be "better" (zoas and/or corals growing more, etc…) than T5s or MHs happens because that first impression, when adaptation is done correctly and bleaching doesn't happen...
The organisms (cnidarians) tend to drive some boosted energy into adaptation. Another way to see that is a fast reproduction of polyps. With zoas that happen often when we collect them from the wild, specially. In the long run we normally see a decline of that energy used into the reproduction/ growth. That is when the organisms' metabolism is looking for a stable environment to grow and reproduce in normal/natural rates, not in "survival mode". So the fake "better growth effect" of simply changing the light source could be responsible for such event.
When people place a new LED system for their zoas, that could happen. But when the time reaches the next point, people look back on their pictures and see that those polyps were actually healthier under their halides and T5s. Why? Just because there is no comparison of the light properties (LEDS vs. MHs and/or T5s). The incandescent properties of the MH and T5s are something the LEDs don't have, and that's one of the reasons they cost more to run than the LEDs (electricity and usage). Some of the signs are: color change, lack of pigments and growth patterns, taking consideration of light alone. There is no way to cover the facts. Zoanthids, as well as and hermatypic corals, will need a font of energy similar to sunlight for an optimal long term survival IMO in order to live well, like in the ocean. Light isn't only about PAR and spectrum. The polyps are normally great in adaptation and will fight for life, trying to absorb the light available.
Question to you all is: Does the LEDs are really better than MHs and T5s to the organisms?
Remember the sun!?!? Do not think about your electricity bill, please. Forget the less heat, the "evolution of the hobby" and "technology arriving". If you want to "feel good" about the beauty of a light system hanging over your display tank, think of those ATI dimmable fixtures, when comparing to your new LED system with the computer features and so on… Try to picture yourself as a zoa colony and tell yourself what would you think that would fit better for your metabolism. That's how Zoas look into the equation! You don't need to publish your answer, but keep thinking about that when observing your polyps. Hopefully you will remember that when down the road you see them weaker and not knowing why, once "all the params are OK".
As we know, the chemistry of our systems are a great deal in zoas/coral health. Light alone doesn't do the trick!! But when chemistry is well, light adaptation is also helped, and we could have that as a sort of backup for the adaptation. In the long run, with the lack of correct light properties, chemistry won't be able to keep up with the best for the organisms dependent on light. They might survive, but without the very best we can offer, closer to their natural needs (sun), they won't function properly, be healthy, reproduce or show their very best for a long period of time. And then people turn back to their T5s...
Also, make sure you know that the sellers do need to make profit in order to stay in business. The last technology is something really easy to feel special about, specially when it is well wrapped and with a great graphic poster along with the nice instruction manual. Lots of money are invested into their business and they are actually doing really well selling the LEDs systems. We must admit that there is a huge hype around the aquarium market today though. I'm sorry!
I do believe all that is needed to reach what we would love to reach: a great LED system better than MHs and T5s!!!! So that's what I'm waiting for. Hope we'll get that one day!!! But the fixtures will need to use more electricity to drive some heat, I would think. In that case, would T5 be a better choice, once it's more uniform? Hummm...
The other thing is that zoa/coral dealers will use their LEDs on their systems to help with electricity costs for one. Two, they may also want to participate on the selling of the LED fixtures as well. It's business, right?? That's the way it goes...
Nothing wrong with all that... That's the way it goes. Just like the cartoon names.
I do not sell anything. Just a hobbyist, but I like to expose my thoughts. Most people don't.
This is not any type of campaign agains LEDs, but the fact of many testimonies in the past and people going crazy asking me questions of why their zoas are dying??? I've heard a lot of this during the last past years. And they switch back to their T5s and magic happens?? Humm...
Many other good aquarists would agree with me too, but they wouldn't like to be exposed. There is lots of money involved in the LED business today and we aren't here to burn anyone's image.
I still prefer to offer T5s to my zoas. Just my own thing. I do believe they make a difference and will continue to use them until I see some LEDs that would offer better results them MHs or T5s. I would love to pay a little less for electricity, yes.
This is just my thinking. Again, not against anyone in particular.
Keep zoning and please post your opinions and experiences here to enrich this thread...
I'm really busy, but will do my very best to try to read...
:nerd:
Grandis.
