LEDs vs Metal halides.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by chevyjaxon

is one really much better than the other?

Depends on what you want. LEDs have tons of great features that make them better than the other 2. Honestly, I don't think any of the 3 are that much better than the other 2, regardless of what the other 2 are. LEDs don't have the same color or punch as MH. MH doesn't have the dimming and color changing abilities, and run a lot hotter and more expensive. T5 is a good middle ground, but no shimmer. Lots of bulb choices, and can make a tank look really good if you're not big on shimmer. They can be dimmed (with more trouble than LED). MH don't dim. you pick your color and go with it until next bulb change. LED has no bulb change. T5 has more frequent. Less money per bulb, more bulbs to change.

I think LED probably have more good features than the other 2. I do miss my MH, but I wouldn't give up some of the stuff I have with my LED.