LED + T5 Hybrid - DIY

Wankell · Dec 30, 2012

Hey guys,

I have a 24" Cadlight HQI 2x24 T5 and 150w MH fixture, and I was thinking of converting the center MH section to LED. This unit is over my 50g cube (24x24x20) and I was wondering if I could get some expert advise on how many and what color LED's to run in the center section to really make myself a nice hybrid unit.

I found the Rapid LED Actinic supplement kits, would be be acceptable to use or should I just do a custom one?
Dimmable Actinic Supplement Kits

I do not need a lot of whites as I am focusing on Zoas/LPS, I am just not sure how many or what colors to get.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Wankell · Dec 30, 2012

Typo above! Advice*

Also I will be receiving an Apex Jr. in the mail soon, so I will have controllability for LEDs.

Sfgiants55 · Dec 30, 2012

I would keep the halide and add LEDs to the t5 spots. And you will probably have more room for more LEDs in the t5 area.

Pumbooris · Dec 31, 2012

i would do like what was said and pull out the t5's and add blues and royal blues. rapid will let you switch out some royal blues for blues in the actinic kit

Wankell · Dec 31, 2012

hmmm, it would be the same size actually, I can remove the black panels and the led moonlights as well.

If that were the case why dont I just do all LED? I was just trying to save some money by using the existing T5's and by my electricity bill.

Sfgiants55 · Dec 31, 2012

For best coral growth and color I would keep the MH. And with 2x 24inch heat sinks you can use a lot of royal,blue and even UV leds. I wouldnt get any of the reds,greens, or cyans just because I would be worried about a disco ball effect.

Wankell · Dec 31, 2012

I think I might just do full LED and use the fixture as the housing.

like-fish · Dec 31, 2012

i have a T5/LED DIY combo on my 120 and am becoming very happy with it. Low electricity consumption, customization, runs relativly cool, less bulbs to replace, T5 hits the spectrum spots that LED might miss.

I am by no means an expert (actually very far from it) but I did do extensive research. I worked with LEDgroupbuy.com to come up with a plan. My blues are all Royal blue LED, My4 48" T5 bulbs are Blue plus x2, one Coral Plus and one Purple Plus.

you could use the LED's that you add for actinic. Royal Blues and use your 2 T5 for your full spectrum bulbs. If you find its lacking you can add a channel of LED in the future, either whites or more blues as needed.

Good luck to ya. It has been a fun project to get dialed in!