LED vs T5s - math question

[ecam]

So I currently run 3 Radions - gen 3 pros on my frag tank (80 gallon rimless) using SPS + AB - which is awesome by the way.

I run 8 bulb ATI - T5 on my 180 DT. So given the new radion release and the great growth im getting with the new radion schedule I was considering getting Gens 4. But im from the camp that believes that you need 2 per 24" not 1. So im going to do this math based on 3 lights and 6. Here we go

Cost of Running T5s.... 8*80w = 680 watts/ hr
I run 2 hrs of Actinics @ 2 bulbs = ( 80*2*8) = 1,280 watts
6 hrs of daylights (80*6*6) = 2,880
Total daily usuage = 4,160 watts / 1000 = 4.16 KWHs @ $0.11 = $0.46/day to run the lights
So based on 365 days $167.90/ yr to run lights
+ cost of annual bulb replacement $150.00/ year for 8 bulbs
Total operating w\ bulb replacement = $317.90/yr


Radions - assuming 75%
(170W * .75) = 127.50 * 3 * 8hrs = 3,060 watts /1000 = 3.06KWH = 3.06*0.11 = .3366/day


So i'm saving $0.13 a day by running radions in operating cost or $50/year

Cost of 3 fixtures = 749*3 = $2247
ATI fixture w\ bulb = 800 + 150 = $950

2247-950 = $1,297 upfront for LEDs

$317.90/12 = $26.5/ per month to operate

that would take 49 months or 4 years to break even on LEDs not including the fact the LED life span is 5yrs and every year with bulb replacement you get a new fixture....

I just dont see the point.... anymore. Can someone point me to any fallacy in analysis.....

Thanks and sorry for the long post. Blame my new Kill-watt meter and Ultimate corals for this rant.....

 

[art13]

No, your about right i believe, i did the math as well with just two fixtures from AI above my 135g and how long it would take to break even. The only thing you're missing is the heat put off by an 8 bulb fixture, but i have the ATI 8 bulb over my tank for the reason of the savings is far down the road, and with the fixture, there is nothing to adjust, no numbers to play with, i like it simple.

 

[horseplay]

You will need 5 or 6 radions you're looking at $4k. And of course you will run more electricity.

I have the ATI hybrid for 2 years now. I would buy the same light again. An 8 bulb fixture with 4 LED clusters cost $2400. Each cluster is equivalent to one radion xr15. You are getting the best of both worlds and save $1500 compare to the radions.

I run the LED as blue+ and the color is very nice.

Also you only have one set of wires and cables instead of one for each radion. I can see my OCD kicks in trying to line up the radions