Leds or T5???

[adamfinke]

Need new lights, not sure whats better. I have 500-700 to spend on leds, want to be able to mount them in place of the T5s if I decide to switch. I want the light to mount in the canopy. If there any brands to stay away from? I have not seen any that look like they mount in a canopy also what size and power do I buy? My tank is a 90g.

 

[wysiwyg]

whats the length and height of the tank. how many and what corals you currently have in the tank or plan on having in the tank

 

[james30ct]

Leds. They cost less to run and last 10x longer.

 

[adamfinke]

My 90 is 48x24x18. I have Zoas, finger leather, ricordia, frog spawn and a few others. I would like to get some bright colored frags. I'm kinda new with the corals so still learning the names.
FYI THESE PICS ARE BEFORE WE MOVED THE TANK. THERE IS NO ALGAE IN THE TANK NOW. LOOKS BAD I KNOW.

 

[Kajung2k]

As far as AI vega or sol you will need two. I believe for Ecotech you will need two as well.

 

[Pappy]

If you have a canopy then DIY LEDs with Cree bulbs are your least expensive an by far better option than any of the commercial fixtures ime. DIY can be customized and built to any spec you want! I've seen almost all the commercial fixtures in person and my lights on my tank (DIY) have better spectrum, coverage, and everything in my tank grows like a weed! A fellow member built mine and they came with a controller with full dusk/dawn capabilities. If you're interested I can give you his name through pm. He has built countless fixtures and has figured out the best light I've seen by far

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

We have a couple of sponsors that have some awesome LED units.

 

[gar732]

I say go with both. In your position I'd buy a couple of those bridgeleux fixtures, I think reef breeder has them for like $250 and they're dimmable but there are plenty to choose from many different sponsors here on R2R, and a two bulb T5 retro kit. If you go with any of the bigger name brand stuff it's going to blow your budget away. Even DIY is going to eat up your budget and you still won't get as much light. IMO I think the combo lighting gives you the best results. And if you are still doubtful check out this thread https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/large-aquariums-180g/43713-swannyson7s-180g-mixed-reef.html He's got 3 bridgelux fixtures from reef filtration and a T5 fixture and has one of the nicest systems around. Yes husbandry has a lot to do with his success but his tank doesn't lack for light. Don't get hung up on the latest and greatest and brand names, get what will work best for your budget and system. And by the way you'd be able to keep anything you wanted with a setup like that so you don't limit yourself for the future.

 

[adamfinke]

That would be great, Im pretty good at electrical and building stuff. Finding the resources and knowing what leds and colors and how many are needed is my problem. If I have pics of what I need to build I can build it.

 

[adamfinke]

Thanks alot I will check out the bridgeleux fixtures. I like the idea of a combo retro fit kit.


QUOTE=gar732;1093896]I say go with both. In your position I'd buy a couple of those bridgeleux fixtures, I think reef breeder has them for like $250 and they're dimmable but there are plenty to choose from many different sponsors here on R2R, and a two bulb T5 retro kit. If you go with any of the bigger name brand stuff it's going to blow your budget away. Even DIY is going to eat up your budget and you still won't get as much light. IMO I think the combo lighting gives you the best results. And if you are still doubtful check out this thread https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/large-aquariums-180g/43713-swannyson7s-180g-mixed-reef.html He's got 3 bridgelux fixtures from reef filtration and a T5 fixture and has one of the nicest systems around. Yes husbandry has a lot to do with his success but his tank doesn't lack for light. Don't get hung up on the latest and greatest and brand names, get what will work best for your budget and system. And by the way you'd be able to keep anything you wanted with a setup like that so you don't limit yourself for the future.[/QUOTE]

 

[mfinn]

You have to check out Reef Breeders led fixtures.
Got to be the best bang for buck deal around.

 

[ddinox64]

I have a 90g. Retrofit 6x54 T5s. Had them on my last 90g as well. They can be set up with timers to simulate dawn to dusk as well. So that's no biggy. If you notice most LED fixtures are supplemnted with T5s. Used to be the other way around. T5 with LEDs. But more people are adding T5s back to all LED fixtures. You may have already done your search and research on LED fixtures. But do a search on how many are selling their LEDs and going back to T5s or even MHs.

 

[adamfinke]

Maybe I should just buy six new bulbs with reflectors but I still have the heat with the T5s.

 

[Pumbooris]

i built a diy set up with 40 3w leds all of them cree's from rapidled.com for colors i used 12 cool whites, 2 warm white, 18 royal blue, 6 blue, 2 green, and 4 uv. the white and royal blue, blue, and green are on there own dimmer.

 

[james30ct]

I have 38 cree 3w leds with 80 degree lenses on my 72 and the whites are at 40% and the blues are at 80%. I have 24 blue and 14 white. Its bright enough to keep sps and clams.

 

[Rick]

ATI sunpower you'll be glad you did go on reefgeek and order it with bulbs send them an email and tellem you want Korallen Zucht bulbs

 

[Rick]

8x54w t5 on a 120g

 

[adamfinke]

Awsome information everyone. I just ned to decide which way to go. I what leds that will do the daylight and moon lighting effects hopefully built in one system.

 

[palvyre]

The Apollo Solarblasts are very nice also. You would need 2, they run $399 each.

 

[Poseidon]

I say go with the LED's, check out the 24x3W Cree's from Reef Breeders, you can get 2 at $199 each, and cover a 90 well. My friend Nick just did this, also a 90, also softies, and he is very happy with the results.