LED Lights

[markr]

Originally Posted by OrchidTess

I am making a new light stand and I have been reading up on LED lights. The price is high but I am curious if they're an improvement over fluorescents. Do any of you or anyone know of anyone currently using them? I value all opinions

Depends on what you mean by "improvement". LED lights produce far less heat than other light sources and require less electricity for similar light outputs. Problem is, it is initially very expensive to pack enough LEDs under a hood equivalent to a few much more affordable CFL or T5 tubes. Unless you have a special requirement for low heat or you are absolutely committed to saving a few dollars on montly electricity bills, it's probably easiest to go with more traditional fluorescent tubes.

People are starting to use LED systems in heat-sensitive tropical reef aquariums. Perhaps orchid growers will eventually start using them with cool-growing terrariums.