Led or t5 for 72” tank

[Mstanker]

So I’m looking at either getting read breeders V2? Also thinking about getting ATI dimmable T5 fixture. So what does everyone use for a one fixture set up. My tank is 100g 72x18x20.

 

[clsanchez77]

So I’m looking at either getting read breeders V2? Also thinking about getting ATI dimmable T5 fixture. So what does everyone use for a one fixture set up. My tank is 100g 72x18x20.

What are you keeping in the tank? That is more important than the tank dimensions. Also, consider mixing the two. I run both HO's and Hydra 26's and love the looks. Reminds me of the old MH+ VHO days.

 

[scuzy]

I have hybrid and I love it. Radion and aquatic life hybrid system.

 

[Mstanker]

Going to run mix reef sps.

 

[BillyP]

Going to run mix reef sps.

Go with dimmable T5. I never saw coloration fail with t5. Unless you're planning on going with Radion g4 pros. Don't even bother going LED unless you use decide to use t5 supplements. I personally run a 4 bulb t5 fixture (72") with Metal halides and the coloration is great.

 

[Spitty]

I’m in the same boat, looking for a 72” option on a 210 gal sps setup. I have been looking at the 60” aquatic life hybrid or 2 36” fixtures. I have a 72” coralife mh cf fixture but from everything I’ve reasearched t5’s are a necessity,

 

[scuzy]

72" tank with two aquatic life hybrid 36" units with 4 X radion xr30 pro gen 4

 

[Spitty]

Looks awesome, how long have you been running that setup?

 

[Spitty]

Also, are you using diffusers on the Radions?

 

[Mstanker]

Yeah I’m trying to buy a fixture for around $700 800 and cover my whole tank

 

[Jordan berry]

Aquatic life hybrid seems to be the best option.
If you start with just t5 bulbs you’ll be okay with softies and lps and you can add leds later. If you want to be one and done you are better off with the t5 fixture imo.

 

[Jordan berry]

Aquatic life hybrid seems to be the best option.
If you start with just t5 bulbs you’ll be okay with softies and lps and you can add leds later. If you want to be one and done you are better off with the t5 fixture imo. Also Brs used the 60” model on the brs 160 a 72” tank and it looked and performed well if you are only wanting to do one fixture.

 

[lwmnfrvr]

I have two 32" Reef Breeders over a 150 gallon tank that measures 72" L x 18" W x 28" T. I purchased these lights in the fall of 2016.
The lights are very sleek and very powerful.
Like most people that have purchased these lights I'm still having trouble finding the correct spectrum and light inensity.

 

[Daniel Waters]

Yeah I’m trying to buy a fixture for around $700 800 and cover my whole tank

At that price point, buy a 60" ATI T5 fixture. I wouldn't bother with the dimmable. If you think you will want or be able to incorporate LEDs in the future, go with the aquatic life t5 hybrid. It will give you 4 bulbs of T5 and you can add in LEDs later when your budget allows.

 

[Mstanker]

I thought about using the reef breeders photon v2 50”. Which they say will cover a 60” tank. But then I seen a video on YouTube that the guy had a reEd breeder light fixture that dimmed out after 4 years and I figure I should go with ATI T5 dimmable light fixture

 

[Daniel Waters]

...I figure I should go with ATI T5 dimmable light fixture

I'm fairly certain you can't get a DIMMABLE ATI for the 60" size (80 watt T5 bulbs). If your dead set on going dimmable, you'll need 2 smaller units (which I think would be a mistake and will increase your ongoing replacement bulb costs).

I see no advantage of dimmable anyway. You will have two channels on the 6 or 8 bulb fixture. Use 1 channel for your dawn / dusk applications if that's why you are wanting dimmable. If too much intensity is a concern, just leave some slots open or mount the fixture higher.

 

[Dobermanp]

Why not both? They make t5 fixtures now that will take all the popular leds on the market : radions, kessils, ai's. The fixtures are like $300-350 and seem like a great value. I'm gonna add some to my 90.

 

[Michael Naegeli]

I got 2 72” Reefbrights all blue and 2 Kessill ap700’s. I really love this combo. Corals all seem very happy and great growth. Mostly Chalice, Zoa’s, torches and Lps. No sps

 

[Amado]

I have two current 72 pro loop this provided light for my whole tank. I got these lights for $500 and they come with their own controller and pump controller. My tank looked great and I had soft coral and low-med light corals. I added a kessil 36owe in the middle so that I can a few more demanding coral in the middle of the tank. I love the shimmer that the
Kessil gives my tank and if I want more light I can add another kessil in the future. I have no shadows and it works for my tank needs.

 

[Mstanker]

Post a tank picture of you don’t mind