Generic Leds VS Cree

[HappyDays]

I have a 55g thanks with mix guests (fish, sps, and a few lps). So far it has worked ok by using generic 3W Leds from ebay (china) and connecting them together. Using a meanwell driver has proved reliable and stable.

Since I switched from the T5 to the LEDs it has only increased in quality and fortunately gone down in electric bill, however from reading on different posts it seems that the CREE Leds produce, at comparable use of energy, a better/greater amount of light.

What is you experience with CREE? if you were to upgrade the lights of a 55g with rim, what LED system would you use?

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Generic 3 watt LEDs are "Like a Box of Chocolates"...You do not know what you are getting.

Compared to the Cree 5 watt XT-E, even at half the price they are expensive.

Cree Bins their Cool Whites int 5 different intensity Bins with the difference being up to 30% brighter for the top Bins. The lower intensity Bins are commonly found on less expensive fixtures.

Along with intensity there are over 28 differen color bins. With some having a yellow look to others with a crisp white perfect for reefkeeping.

Other things to consider is the heat associated with inefficiency. Heat is the enemy of electronics and less efficient LEDs produce more heat.

I would consider using a high end Luxeon LED but never a dated Generic over the Cree XP-E2 or XT-E

It would not be unusual to need twice the Generic 3 watt LEDs to get the same performance as the Cree 5 watt LEDs with each driven at the same current.

Bill