Why LEDs make bad plant lights (facts + pics!)

[Tele fan]

I can only go by my experience with the LED lights and so far They are working very well. I am going to get a flourescent light set up so I can compare the 2 different growing experience's. Most of the plants that are growing in the tank where I use the LEDS are cool growers and there is always new growth and lots of masdevallia's that are frequently in bloom. The only problem so far is a need to rotate the plants weekly otherwise the plants tend to grow in the same line as the lighting track. I purchased my lights from LEDgrowlights(the company that advertises in "Orchids"). I have been using them for just under a year. I spent $700. for 9 lights, tracks and fixtures. They are rated most effective for 1st 50,000 hours. Thats about 8 years. That makes the cost less than $100. per year. My electric bill went up 6 dollars per month. I am happy with my purchase.
David

[Ocelaris]

Do they look like this? If you wear 3D goggles do they Pop out at you?

[Tele fan]

Yes they do. I posted a jpeg of my tank with out the lights on. The lights when on make me think of the 60's.

[aquanut415]

Solaris LED Hood PFO lighting Inc > Home ( DNN 4.0.3 )

this LED light is awesome, don't listen to the those who have not used one.

[Ross]

92 lumens per watt with t5 florescent vs 80 lumens per watt with these Let me see, is this a good deal? NOT

[Ocelaris]

Yeah, I know a lot of Reef people use them (or are starting to) but it seems there has to be a little maturation period and evidence by the scientific community before it's acceptable. When greenhouses start changing lights over, it's time to get on board.

[Ross]

But again, why would I want to go to less light per watt consumed? Just curious.

[korxi]

Because t5's put out a lot of light in wavelengths not used by the plants, which means you waste a lot of that energy. Or to pu it another way:

Let's say that only 20% of the light emitted by t5's are absorbed, this means that the effective lumens pr. Watt is just 18.5, whereas the LED lights might be 95% efficient - meaning 76 lumens pr. Watt in your example above - that's a ratio of app. 4:1!
Looking at it this way they are far superior to flourescents, it's just a shame they are so expensive..

I hope I was clear, otherwise just ask

Christian

[Tele fan]

Now that is the point most people do not get about using LED. Total light out put that is wasted.Has far as the cost, How much do T-5 cost and they get replaced every year.

David

[korxi]

Some people even change t-5s twice a year..