LED vs. T5

[Shep]

So people keep talking about how they think one is a better type of light than the other one but I don't think anyone has explained why. For example I have seen some people say that acans will tend to just turn red under LEDs and that they will have better color under T5 but no one has said why that it. Could someone explain why one type would be better than the other? I always just assumed that light was light and as long as you had the full range you would be fine.

 

[Mike J.]

Well, you answered your own question. "as long as you had the full range you would be fine." There have been new studies about how too much blue light can be harmful to corals, is one example. In the past LED lights used a specific spectrum of light; they are now getting better at full spectrum lights. Metal halide lights emit a full spectrum, and, depending on the bulb, so do T5 lights.

 

[Defect]

I switched from LED to t5's. My reason for doing this was not because I thought LEDs didnt work but just that LEDs had to many variables with each color setting. I couldn't find the sweet spot and with t5's/MH its almost just a set and forget program.
I did have some acans that do look better under my t5's then the LEDs. MY growth and color of everything in my tank looks better with the t5's but I think LED's can do it as well if you can find the sweet spot.

 

[G_Sanab922]

I switched from LED to t5's. My reason for doing this was not because I thought LEDs didnt work but just that LEDs had to many variables with each color setting. I couldn't find the sweet spot and with t5's/MH its almost just a set and forget program.
I did have some acans that do look better under my t5's then the LEDs. MY growth and color of everything in my tank looks better with the t5's but I think LED's can do it as well if you can find the sweet spot.

+1 And once you hit that sweet spot it can be a matter of personal preference or maintenance. Or you can spend the money and set up with MHs, T5s and LEDs.

 

[thejuggernaut]

I think the best bet is a combination of different types of light. LED and T5 seems to be coming on strong. You get even lighting, visually brighter than LED alone and still get the shimmer.