LEDs and electricity savings

[globaldesigns]

4.37 kWh per day X 0.0914240 (I just paid my bill, took the highest level for worst case scenario) = $0.40 per day

$0.40 X 30 days (just to average a month out) = $12 per month

$12 X 12 = $144 per year

So if I end up spending $$$$ for 3 Ecotech Radions G2 @ $660 each = $1980, this doesn't inlcuded taxes, figuring out how to put these over my tank using a bar system, etc.

So even if we just take the cost of the lights $2079 including GST... It would take 14.4 years to see the value. Now this isn't taking into the cost of new MH and T5's, but even if I religously replace them every 12 months, with a max cost of $200-300, I don't find LED's worth it. Especially when you hear about them burning out, fans quiting, new software, new lenses, new this and that.

Now in saying this, if you are new to the hobby and need to make an investment on a fixture, then maybe LED is a solution, but for us that have already made investments in what we already have, replacements are not worth it in my opinion.

Plus won't there be something better coming out soon?

[jorjef]

Oh I wish Dr. Molson was still available for times like this.. Why pay more for Honey Nut Cheerios when the regular ones serve the same purpose... why why why

[ocean diver]

I love my LED's I switched because I was sick of buying new T5 bulbs every year, so if all I save is the $200 a year (bulb replacement) then so be it.

[sphelps]

Honestly my numbers aren't there to justify how much money you'll save on your tank if you switch to LEDs, the numbers will vary greatly. If you're using them for this purpose then you missed the point completely.