Are LEDs worth the money?/ Buy or DIY?

Please vote above and then post your reasons why below!

Sorry, you will have to submit a vote for each answer.

Thank you!
Arthur


Edited by arthuriv - December 02 2011 at 10:06pm

Ill disagree, I just changed my 220 out to LEDs. It was a costly thing but just with the cost of changing bulbs on my t-5's they will be cost efficient in 3 years. My opinion is you get out of them what you pay for. Diy might be cheaper but your risking it all on your understanding of lighting. I went with the AI's because they have been around for a good amount of time, have an awesome track history and make a upgradeable housing. Meaning as the technology changes I can change along with it. (hopefully)

also agree I know a few people with both DIY and manufactured. They have been running them for awhile now. I personally have AI's on my RSM also. They have just as good growth and do very well. I am goin to get fixtures for my 225g also very soon I hope. I would say do it yourself or go with AI's. But for sure go for ones with dimmers. That is the only thing I have noticed is they will burn coral. Of coarse things will get better since it is still new but they are "there".

Edited by fishnfresh - December 03 2011 at 12:04pm

I whole heartedly agree that you should get leds but build it yourself. There arent many companies out there that put everything into the fixtures that your tank needs. The science and base for LEDs is there, but companies are not totally implimenting it right. Its much cheaper to build it yourself the way it should be. The long term cost can save you thousands of dollars in electricity, reduce waste from bulbs, and reduce mercury content in waste.

I like how LEDs make cheap corals look great!  But I am afraid of what they might do to some of the more expensive stuff, as I have seen them morph high end chalices in funky ways.  I love the idea of supplementing halides or t5's with LED.