Hybrid Lighting

[saltwatr]

Ok I know there are a million lighting posts, but I really need some help here.

Currently running 4 T5’s on a 75 gallon tank and I want to add LED lighting just to help give the corals that glowing look and be able to ramp up/down rather than the lights going full on then full off. Any cheap options that could provide some cool shimmer and glow?

I’m thinking I can run the LED’s to ramp up in the morning and T5’s kick on so it’s not all at once. Then at night T5’s go off first and LED’s ramp down.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Your plan is OK as far as on & off.

But don't expect much shimmer from additional leds if the 4 t5 bulbs are on. The t5's will overpower the additional leds. I had primary leds fixtures and added 2 t5's and didn't like the look. I removed the white t5 and even just the blue t5 was not what I hoped for. So I got an additional led fixture and now I can get the look I want. I had issues because the tank is 30" front to back and one led fixture wasn't quite enough to cover 30". BTW, the brackets and hangers are DIY.

 

[saltwatr]

Your plan is OK as far as on & off.

But don't expect much shimmer from additional leds if the 4 t5 bulbs are on. The t5's will overpower the additional leds. I had primary leds fixtures and added 2 t5's and didn't like the look. I removed the white t5 and even just the blue t5 was not what I hoped for. So I got an additional led fixture and now I can get the look I want. I had issues because the tank is 30" front to back and one led fixture wasn't quite enough to cover 30". BTW, the brackets and hangers are DIY.

Nice custom set up! I’ve been searching for ways to mount other than ceiling and was considering the wall too. What kind of material are the mounts made from? What LED’s are you running?

 

[Nburg's Reef]

Nice custom set up! I’ve been searching for ways to mount other than ceiling and was considering the wall too. What kind of material are the mounts made from? What LED’s are you running?

I was unable to hang from the ceiling in my new place due to concrete ceiling and an HVAC duct overhead, so I used 15" shelve brackets from Lowe's. I intended to use them temporarily until I found something flashier, but they ended up looking simple and clean so I will keep them.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-19-5-in-Shelf-Bracket/1000069209

I can post pics if you'd like.

 

[Ron Reefman]

The btackets are polished aluminum and believe it or not, I had a local shop that builds fishing rigs for boats. From small stuff to the giant 3 story rigs with controls at the top. He cut, smoothed over the edges, bent and drilled them for $65.

The fixtures are Reef Breeder Photon V2+. I think they are the best value in a led fixture with sunrise/sunset and 6 channels of color control.

 

[Matteo]

Hey there!

I am using a Amazon bought LED DC ramp up/down timer for my Current USA LED strips on my ATI light. They work great for T5 add on's and give me the perfect amount of pop and shimmer. If you order directly from their website they have 50% off their pro strips. https://current-usa.com/48-inch-truelumen-pro-led-aquarium-light-strips/