Why are LED systems so expensive?

Joe Lydon

Joe Lydon

New member
LED's, the controllers, drivers, etc. The technology is ancient. I remember playing with LED's in applied science, when I was in 5th grade, 20yrs ago.

Here is a video of my son's toy. A spinning LED bar that is touch interactive. This by FAR surpasses the technology in an APEX controller, or any other LED system available on the market. The toy sells for $30...

[video=youtube;U4Q632B-TP4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Q632B-TP4&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]
 
No doubt that's a cool toy, but your talking about different LEDs. High power is typically used in reef application. The drivers are higher voltage and current. I'm no electrician, but toys "made in China" don't really compare. You also have to consider cooling, color temperature, emitter placement, optics,software, expensive aluminum heatsink and housings.

Try building a setup 2-3 years ago. 30%-40% more expensive than now. Units are better quality, proven and have more options.
 
Oh, I know I'm comparing apples to oranges as far as the hardware is concerned (although there is only so much tech you can cram into a light emitting diode). I'm talking about the controllers, more specifically. APEX, or choose your favorite brand. Changes voltage to your bulbs to control a spectrum... What do these controllers go for? The $30 toy is touch interactive control. That's $30 retail cost, with a profit included! Forget an I-phone, I want voice control and holographic interactive display with individual LED control for $500!
 
+1 Matt...also, take into consideration the supply and demand rule. Leds are highly in demand, so that's usually when a product is the most expensive. Take example a cell phone...when it first comes out, it costs hundreds, but over time when something else new comes out and the demand for it becomes lower, the price then drops.
 
Tech only goes so far. Millions of those toys are made in low wage, low material sources. U run that toy for 8 hours a day at increased temp for then next year and well see what wins. Hardware is higher quality. U can buy a capacitor for .01 or $.25. It's all about quality and performance. LEDs are really big in many applications. Street lights, bookshelf lamps, track, floor, cars dash, or pretty much anywhere. I'm looking forward to seeing fiber optic revolution.
 
m.miller1547 said:
Tech only goes so far. Millions of those toys are made in low wage, low material sources. U run that toy for 8 hours a day at increased temp for then next year and well see what wins. Hardware is higher quality. U can buy a capacitor for .01 or $.25. It's all about quality and performance. LEDs are really big in many applications. Street lights, bookshelf lamps, track, floor, cars dash, or pretty much anywhere. I'm looking forward to seeing fiber optic revolution.
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I bet alot of the LED lights on market now are made in some similar shops! LOL It is a good point tho
 
gonebad395 said:
leds for a fish tank really arent that expensive if you think of the money in the tank you are putting them over
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We as people look past that sometimes. We dont always take that into consideration. We want to buy steak and cook in the microwave if that makes any sense.
 
mydeck07 said:
We as people look past that sometimes. We dont always take that into consideration. We want to buy steak and cook in the microwave if that makes any sense.
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Nice! Makes total sense. Led systems also save you money compared to mh and t5. No bulb replacement. Less wattage used as well.
 
Also, everyone is forgetting about reliability .. that $30 toy if it breaks wont hurt things as bad as an APEX going bad ... most of the money we pay for any branded product, not just leds is what we pay for their research tht they put into that product to make it better

we can find led strips for $2 dollar each on ebay that lights up the tank same as a kessil A150, same brightness but not same intensity and same growth ...
 
I guess I didn't explain what I was really thinking. I do understand that quality control is included into costs. I was more so comparing the technology. We will call the $500 APEX the very best calculator on the market, it performs a simple task with the most efficiency and reliability. We will call the $30 toy the cheapest, most affordable computer that has a built in calculator, amidst a multitude of other functions. I understand the APEX is "reliable", but it carries the most basic function. It has very reliable, built in pots on timers for $500, where the $30 toy has much, much more going on with less powerful LEDs that may or may not be less reliable.

I realize that a lot of people paid good money for the expensive calculator and will defend it on a pedestal, but I am willing to bet that it doesn't cost much more to make than the cheap computer. I see lights becoming one of the least expensive pieces of equipment over the next 5-10yrs.
 
Joe Lydon said:
Oh, I know I'm comparing apples to oranges as far as the hardware is concerned (although there is only so much tech you can cram into a light emitting diode). I'm talking about the controllers, more specifically. APEX, or choose your favorite brand. Changes voltage to your bulbs to control a spectrum... What do these controllers go for? The $30 toy is touch interactive control. That's $30 retail cost, with a profit included! Forget an I-phone, I want voice control and holographic interactive display with individual LED control for $500!
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The Apex does WAY more than just control your LEDs. It allows you to monitor your system from anywhere and it allows you to have some ability to react to problems before everything crashes. with the ability to turn things off remotely. With the new firmware you can even add a webcam so that you can look at your tank from anywhere. Comparing that to a $30 toy is like comparing apples and watermelons.

If you are only using it for controlling LEDs than you are missing the benefits that justify the $500 price tag.
 
Jason R said:
The Apex does WAY more than just control your LEDs. It allows you to monitor your system from anywhere and it allows you to have some ability to react to problems before everything crashes. with the ability to turn things off remotely. With the new firmware you can even add a webcam so that you can look at your tank from anywhere. Comparing that to a $30 toy is like comparing apples and watermelons.

If you are only using it for controlling LEDs than you are missing the benefits that justify the $500 price tag.
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This is why I come to forums and love debate and information. I ask questions, hoping to have my mind changed. I was introduced to the controller as an led control system, I was given a demo, etc., etc. I never even felt the need to google search and read more, I was convinced it was an overpriced dimmer switch. After your post, I dug deeper. Turns out LED control is one of the smallest features on the APEX. Thanks, Jason! I'm sold.
 
I absolutely LOVE my Apex! If I wasn't married... :D seriously though, best investment for my tank. I don't have to worry about timers going bad, 3+ timers to do what i want, heaters going bad, shutting things off when i feed, turning things BACK ON after i feed, etc... Indispensable!
 
Apex can control your whole house let alone your fish tank, anything that uses electricity can be remotely controlled with it, just like the comcast big brother control your hosue thing that just came out.
 
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