Advanced Aquarist LED/LEP coral growth study

First of all, my apologizes if you were offended in my response; I did not intend for any disrespect. I understand studies such as these take a lot of time, effort, and money, however one issue with the study I have is how the data is being presented. More on that in a moment.

I did see the note on flow, and I appreciate that. However, the manner in which the data was present does make implications. Charts such as this for example (if I may hotlink for purpose of discussion):

The casual hobbyist sees this and might read the take-away as LED cause Pocillopora to receed in this study, whereas LEP caused it to grow. Clearly this is what the OP of this thread took away from your article. Yes, I understand what the intent of this chart is, but I don't believe the casual hobbyist will. Herein lies my biggest issue with the article.

My thoughts on "lack of control" are that you held the baseline or standard for LED and LEP against each-other, rathan than a tried-and-true light spectrum such as metal halide. I believe the data gathered could have been presented in much greater context if the control for the test would have been something proven; ie - metal halide. Replicate tanks certainly would have helped as well.

But again, herein lies a big complaint. Trying to replicate LEDs to LEP might not be as beneficial as to trying to replicate LED to MH.

I did miss this part, and I regret that. This does better explain the choice of LED, but doesn't negate not base-lining the study against a proven spectrum.

FWIW, I'd like to think I'm not just some schmuck shooting my mouth off here. Those of us, myself included, who have tried to replicate the spectrum of MH with LED have seen pretty decent results. The approximate spectrum of my own personal DIY fixture can be seen here: http://www.3reef.com/forums/led-aqu...ld-apex-integration-137368-2.html#post1378340
The first post of the thread has some additional info (here).

 

LEP also ave an incredible range of spectrum based on the specific fixture/setup and power level.