Led vs compact Florescence

[Phishguy3.0]

I’m currently running two 65watt 10,000k and two 65 watt 460nm lights. I’m thinking about switching to a single fluval 59 watt 25000k full spectrum led. Can someone explain to me the difference between running four 65 watt bulbs vs one 59 watt and the effect it might have on my tank the fixture is 48 inches long and will sit on a 48 inch long 75 gallon tank with a height of 24 inches. Thanks for your input.

 

[Ron Reefman]

If you can't pick a better (stronger) led fixture for your 75g tank, stick with the fluorescent fixture. Yes, the led is 59 watts, but it's using very low power leds. Divide the number of leds into 59 watts and tell me what you get. If it's less than 1.85 watts per led, then I wouldn't use it for a reef tank that is more than 12" deep or for fish only. If your tank is 20" or more deep, you really need 3 watt leds driven at 1.8 or 2.2 watts, which is what most of the black box led fixture run. If the budget is a big issue, look at the 32" Mars Aqua led fixture.

So why do you want to switch to leds?

I understand there are lots of reasons. I switched many years ago and would never go back. But it's not because the fluorescent fixtures don't produce good light for the tank. It's because I like the thinks the leds allow me to do for my personal pleasure and economy.

 

[dantimdad]

I agree with @Ron Reefman As much as I love LEDs in your case I would stick with PC until I could get something more powerful.

You could get two black box fixtures probably for the same price and grow anything you wanted in the 75.

 

[Phishguy3.0]

If you can't pick a better (stronger) led fixture for your 75g tank, stick with the fluorescent fixture. Yes, the led is 59 watts, but it's using very low power leds. Divide the number of leds into 59 watts and tell me what you get. If it's less than 1.85 watts per led, then I wouldn't use it for a reef tank that is more than 12" deep or for fish only. If your tank is 20" or more deep, you really need 3 watt leds driven at 1.8 or 2.2 watts, which is what most of the black box led fixture run. If the budget is a big issue, look at the 32" Mars Aqua led fixture.

So why do you want to switch to leds?

I understand there are lots of reasons. I switched many years ago and would never go back. But it's not because the fluorescent fixtures don't produce good light for the tank. It's because I like the thinks the leds allow me to do for my personal pleasure and economy.

One of my ballasts fried. I’m having a replacement shipped to me. My fixture is rather old although I purchased plenty of replacement bulbs I didn’t buy any replacement ballast. That being said immediately after the lights went out I started thinking about a new lighting fixture. Thank you for your response. I’ve learned very quickly that led isnt the way to go for my tank. I love this hobby and am amazed by how much more I have to learn. I’ll be spending a good part of today reading up on the different types of lights available. Eventually I will be spending the money and getting quality lights but for the moment I’ll continue with the compact fluorescents. Thanks again.