Here's my take, based on my own experience why I LOVE Leds .
In the beginning, I started my reef tank with simple T5 lighting. When my tank is filled with corals, I knew something was missing. My tank looks dull and boring under normal white and blue lights. This was not what I want to achieve when I got into this hobby after a dive in Maldives.
Later that year, I joined SRC and learned about LED, I manage to save some money for 2 set of LEDs. To my surprise, the whole tank look completely different, the leds bring out each coral colors and even penetrate deep enough to give a shimmering water effect on the sand bed. The effect and color of the corals was even more intense than in the ocean. That was also when I began to love my tank and spending most of my time at home watching the coral glow than visiting LFS. Since then I have never look back and would only consider LEDs for a reef tank.
Why I love Leds :
Leds save you a lot of money on monthly electricity bill. ( compare your monthly bill and you will know)
Leds do not generate a lot heat compare to T5 and MH ( can even have mini fan attached to it )
Leds is low maintenance than T5 and MH ( no need to change light tube at regular basis)
Leds can be programmed to your preferred timing and also sunrise & sunset effect. (sit back and enjoy your tank , programed led give you different lighting effect at your preferred timing, don’t need manual on off light)
Leds, a good set, give you a full spectrum of light and bring out each individual coral colors (colors you can’t imagine and surprises you from time to time)
Leds come in modern and slim design ( Example: light-weight, give flexibility in mounting)
Leds have a lot of added features (Example: wireless controller, can change different angle lens and easy to upgrade etc.)
Due to work commitment, I move into FOWLR. I thought keeping fishes do not need Leds. I regretted letting go my old sets!!!
http://youtu.be/iGWv4rR0Wu4
Do my fishes look dull?? I believe my fishes can also look just as bright, colorful and striking as the corals. Imagining them move around the tank showing off their beautiful body and fins marking/coloration.
What am I waiting now? The answer is AI HYDRA TWENTY SIX to bring out my fishes color and turn my dull looking tank back to life again!!! LOL I do not have many SRC friends, so dear SRC members, if you like my video and hope to see another video of my fishes with AI HYDRA TWENTY SIX lighting. Pls like this page!! LOL Thank you!!
Pictures and video are property of Hydrox78.