REVIEW!!! Metal HighLightes V.S. T8 V.S.T5 (HO) V.S. LED lighting.

ok i have been doing an experiment with my energy bill and seeing how the plants, animals and corals would fair with differnt types of lighting.
the first i tried was the T-8 standard lighting.
First i was using the lights that came with the tank "T-8" lights. they work fine with a FOWLR tank and work fine on a refugum. but i have fould that if you go to Home Depot and get a light there and the bulbs there they have a mutch LARGER output and work much better. downside is you cant really use the aquarium t-8 lighting bulbs. they might work or it may burn the bulb out as soon as you turn the switch. and at 24 watts and hour and having to run 3 on my 40 gallon tank the bill was not that high but still.
The T-5 (HO) lighting, This lighting is the upgrade from t-8s, the high output is nice for the corals and plants but the bill gos higher and it shows with the plants and corals. it is worth it but....
the MHL are 250-400 watts a piece and run only 8 to 10 hours a day and it raises my bill wayyyyyyyyyy up. if you make good money go for it. if not STAY AWAY FROM IT. the results are great and are about the same as the t-5 lighting.
NOW for MY fav. this is my over all winner. for me and the testing that i have done. this is the one i run on my tank now and i will be using on the 575gallon system i build.
THE L.E.D.s The dubble bright lighting with moon lights Show the same results with the T-5 HO lighting. but with.......1/6 the cost!!!!! each LED is 0.06watts. it runs 9 watts of power an hour. My sump pump uses more at 26 WATTS. They even make MHL type leds and are great for larger tank systems. for the 300 gallon tank using leds for the tank and refugum comes out to about 80 to 110 watts an hour.
It took me 5 mouths to do this experiment and i am happy i did.
I hope this helps everyone.
and beleave me when i say that it pays for its self.
O YA

nice got any links for good leds

Aquarium 42LED Bar Blue Light Fish Tank 2.5W Waterproof
this would be good for a moon light on a 12 or 24 hour timmer.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Free-shipping-Aquarium-42LED-Bar-Blue-Light-Fish-Tank-2-5W-Waterproof-/180798819935?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2a18730e5f

12X1W Cool White Par 38 20000K 12W LED Light Lamp Bulb for Aquarium/Showcase
This one is what i plane to use in my 55 gallon refugum
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12X1W-Cool-White-Par-38-20000K-12W-LED-Light-Lamp-Bulb-Aquarium-Showcase-/110808459297?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ccb2e821

next is a type of MHL

10mm LED GROW LIGHT PANEL PLANT AQUARIUM CORAL REEF 40W
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10mm-LED-GROW-LIGHT-PANEL-PLANT-AQUARIUM-CORAL-REEF-40W-/230645511690?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b38b360a

next is a 4' 54 watt LED grow light
ONLY 54WATTS.
Hydroponic 900 LED Grow Light All White 4 Panel 52w 4' Aquarium Coral Reef Lamp
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hydroponic-900-LED-Grow-Light-All-White-4-Panel-52w-4-Aquarium-Coral-Reef-Lamp-/390381784513?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae4914dc1

A standard t-5 HO light is 54 watts a bulb. you can run 4 of thes.
it is a little bit more money but SOOOOOOOOOO worth it and payes for itself in notime.

and i can tell you also a few tips on how to take good care of your investment.