thinking of going led

[Liquid360]

Actually based upon par readings mine tested exactly the same with a 400w Radium on an apogee par meter adjusted . Test conducted by AlabamaReef. They generate no heat/no bulbs to replace/etc... U know.

 

[jservedio]

Liquid I am not talking about PAR readings, I am talking about the spectrum graph. Two lights can have identical PAR readings, yet generate that photosynthetic radion using totally different spectrums. A 12k light and a 20k light may have the same PAR rating, but the spectrum is TOTALLY different. The spectrum is the intensity of light at different wavelengths - not how effectively chlorophyll can utilize the light (that is PAR).

The Radium 20k's have a very wide, distinct spectrum, and I know the original G2 Radions are unable to reproduce it, and that hte Pros are VERY close to exactly matching it (however, the G2s approximate the visual color very well).

A lot of stores stock the AIs and Radions, and some of the bigger stores will sell the Razors as well. Look at them all and make the leap! You can always buy one as you suggested and replace them over time. Just make sure you get a LED that will match the color of your MH's exactly - you don't want 20k on either end of the tank with a different color temperature in the middle!

 

[edsreef]

some good points and advice from everyone. thank you
I need to research a bit more and will update what choice I end up making

 

[FF337]

I too was in the situation a couple weeks ago. I have 3 400w radiums and actinics. Heat is nasty. Powerbill hit 290 last month. Previous was 170. Chiller ran nonstop 1200 watts running for 8 hours on top of that. Plus heating the living space.

I got in my led fixtures yesterday. Inconveniently, I am in new york on vacation visiting inlaws. Next weds I will be home to swap the halides with leds.

I will have more info then.

Btw. I went with 3 of reefledlights p47 fixtures. I can not wait to get home and check them out.

 

[bucksfan1976]

With the razors you would have to go with 3 of the 20 inch or 2 of the 27 inch, I think coverage wise you would be fine, plus those are the only ones I REALLY like. I would though be diligent with research.

Hamilton Technology however has came out with a NICE fixture that I want to try but not drop the cash on. Its one of the rare fixtures that use 35 watt chips in it. I had the sea sun extreme and liked it. However I didnt like the fact it only had blue and white. They built a full spectrum version, its bigger and you simply connect the fixtures via a ethernet cable so they can talk.

Here is the link
Koro Sea Sun 3600Aquarium supplies&Aquarium lighting by Hamilton Technology

 

[Liquid360]

I've had this exact same chat FAR too many times. If I were you I'd just stick with what you got.
And yes I'm fully aware of what PAR is and related numbers/stats. We'll just forget about that else we go in circles. The amount of time spend trying to rationalize our own purchases is insane. I'm guilty of it as well.
My advice is find someone with a tank you aspire to and follow their path. Debate over lighting is played out... The exact same conversation has been had Ad nauseam. For those you who claim to have better grasp on the facts or access to said facts.... if these were facts we'd all have identification setups. We here in the reef deal in opinions only. This is the part where someone posts charts and says I'm full of it.
I stand by my advice. Just don't purchase the Razor. Best wishes.