Thanks for the responses jtbadco and syncro. There's info there I can use to do further research.
Mike, I'm not sure why your opening comments are (to me) almost semi-hostile. I thought that's why we have forums like this. To talk about what we've seen work and what we've seen doesn't. Share experience.
I've been to Bridgelux and Cree's site's, I've reviewed their specs, and because I'm still learning and I'm not an electrician most of it is still greek to me. I do get confused in reading technical specs and I don't understand yet how that translates to PAR, CRI, nm, lumens or whatever else have you or how that affects the coral growth in our tanks, the health of our livestock, the total on my hydro bill etc.
And when you go to these manufacturers sites, they all say theirs is the best. Theirs is the most efficient. Theirs produces the only wave length of light needed. Blah, blah, blah. If anyone has an agenda, I'll bet it's a manufacturer of a product over fellow hobbyists who's just trying to get the most bang for his buck. Then there's the downright lies. Like jtbadco says, there are products out there that are rated at a certain level, but what you get is far from the truth. So really a manufacturer's site may give you some info, but real world experience was what I was looking for.
That being said, the rest of your comments are appreciated. I agree totally that this industry is growing like mad. Every time you turn around new products are being released and everyone is trying to sell you something. It all just adds to the confusion. What I'm noticing is that those who are building DIY fixtures for their tank are funny people. If they don't use Cree's and Meanwells, they don't specify what they ARE using. It almost seems that there is a fear out there that if you don't use the most expensive out there that you'll be thought less of. I guess that's with a lot of things in life, and I'm ok with using the most expensive if it's justifiable and it really IS better. I've seen very few write up's of people using generic or lower end fixtures but TONS using Cree and Meanwell.
I just wanted to know why.....
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