Critiquing LEDs in the hobby

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Hi friends!


I hope you are all doing wonderful today. I would like to offer some words to the companies that create products in the hobby. Overall, I am fairly upset at the prices for the quality of most products. I think it is absurd that they charge so much for equipment that is fairly cheap.


I think one of the better products to look at is LED lighting. It has grown very fast in the last five years. Take a look at the Hydra 32 HD. It is $400! That is not including the equipment to hang it either. That can range from $80-200 in addition.

Focusing on the hang on equipment, it is typically of nice quality. It is sturdy and mostly clean looking. They started adding on nicer qualities such as clips so the cord does not dangle over the tank. But that $200 hanging arm cost me $20 at Menards. It was just a bracket and some parts to put it together. And they look very similar.

 

The LEDs themselves are not much better. LEDs are fairly cheap to make. It is surrounded by a cheap plastic body. Some have fans and heat sinks that will up the price to manufacture. But I can make a very similar product myself for a fraction of the price. 

I will say again, it has grown fast. Quality has improved on many models as well. I really recommend the AI line with their Hydra and Primes. They look nice and grow coral very well. But the pricing is really hard to justify, especially to newer reefers.


We have a very expensive hobby to begin with. Coral, fish, upkeep, salt, food, etc. I find it upsetting that companies are charging so much for products just because they can. I am eager for the day when quality competition enters the market at a fair price.

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