Metal Halide vs LED

Definition

Metal Halide (MH) and LED are the two dominant reef-tank lighting technologies. MH delivers higher PAR with shimmer + better color rendition; LED offers programmable spectrum + lower power consumption + longer bulb life.

Practical use in aquariums

MH (250W or 400W bulbs): 250-500+ PAR at typical 12" depth, replace bulbs annually, runs hot (fans/cooling needed). LED (Radion, Hydra, Reef Brite): 200-400 PAR depending on model + height, programmable channels, 30,000+ hour lifespan, runs cool. Modern reef-keeping has shifted ~80% to LED but specific tanks still benefit from MH supplementation.

How Metal Halide vs LED fits the bigger picture

Understanding Metal Halide vs LED matters because it's connected to broader husbandry decisions: lighting drives photosynthesis, coloration, and growth - get it wrong and corals/anemones bleach or recess.

Browse the Fast Aquatics care library for full husbandry tutorials covering Metal Halide vs LED in context.