6 bulb T-5 or black box LED (viparspectra)

[Currierfarms14]

Hello everyone,

I have been running a 65 gallon bowfront (48 inch long) with a 2 bulb T-5 set up. While the coloration is nice, I am not seeing much growth from any of my corals. I would like to upgrade in the next week or so, and am debating between a 6-bulb T-5 or a viparspectra 300W. I’m mostly growing softies, zoas, and a couple LPS. I would like to get into SPS in the future. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Mirkus]

I don’t think you can go wrong with an ati t5 fixture. A six bulb fixture might be overkill for softie tank. I‘ve never used the led referenced, but I would question whether one fixture can provide adequate spread.

 

[MJ in Boise]

T5. A cheap fixture or an ATI will both do the trick.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

This is only my opinion but even though I'm an led guy if your deciding between a 6 bulb t5 or a cheap black box led I'd go t5. If you were looking at higher end leds I'd say led

 

[Bpb]

The t5 will have better coverage than the led unit will. That’ll cast a bright hot spot in the middle.

 

[Matteo]

T5 Hybrid if you can FTW !

 

[Currierfarms14]

Awesome feedback! When I switch from a 2 T5 system to a 6, do I need to move all my Coral’s down to acclimate them? I’m worried I’ll torch the corals with a much more intense lighting system.

 

[MJ in Boise]

You can just start with 3 bulbs for a few days then add another until all 6 are in. If you keep the same mounting height you may torch them regardless of how slow you go. Mount the 6 bulb a few inches higher then go 3,4,5,6 bulbs imo.

 

[A. grandis]

Hello everyone,

I have been running a 65 gallon bowfront (48 inch long) with a 2 bulb T-5 set up. While the coloration is nice, I am not seeing much growth from any of my corals. I would like to upgrade in the next week or so, and am debating between a 6-bulb T-5 or a viparspectra 300W. I’m mostly growing softies, zoas, and a couple LPS. I would like to get into SPS in the future. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

6bulb T5. Get the non-dimmable ATI Sunpower and forget about light forever. Best T5 investment for your reef in the long run!

 

[A. grandis]

Awesome feedback! When I switch from a 2 T5 system to a 6, do I need to move all my Coral’s down to acclimate them? I’m worried I’ll torch the corals with a much more intense lighting system.

No, you don't need to move the corals at all. You can use first the 4 light channel and after a week or so you turn everything on. OR... you could used all the 6 bulbs starting 4 hours a day and then after 3 days 5 hours, and so on until you finally get to your preferred schedule.

 

[LostInTheDark]

As an opposing view point, I went from 60" 8 bulb T5s to the Viparspectra. T5's grew everything nicely but were very hot. It made the living room 5* hotter than the rest of the house. It also didn't give the "POP" everyone talks about. The glare from the omni directional bulbs was also annoying. I switched to 2 300w over a 220 and the corals never new the difference. Same growth but better color and a lot cooler. Bulb changes used to be cheaper but have gone up every year and no longer seem to be included in the BIG sales. Several bulb sizes and colors are also out of stock lately. Presumably because of COVID.