Lighting for a 20 gal. question (LED vs. T5)

[SRT80]

I have a 20 gal. tank, been setup since 2005. It houses a pair of ocellaris clowns (had them both since 05) and soft corals (hairy mushrooms, mushrooms, green star polyps, and a leather).

I need a new light. For the last 6 months or so I have just been usin' a 10k 65w PC cause the Actinic burned out and I'm tired of payin' $25 for PC bulbs every six months. I'm sure the 10k will be burning out soon. The good thing, all the corals seem to be doin' fine.

My first thought was a Marineland reef capable LED. I was gonna go with the 18-24 size (24x12x16 tank). I figured the sides wouldn't be too shaded. But I have read more bad reviews than good so I'm gonna pass on it.

Next option was Par30 or Par38 bulbs. But would need 2. With fixtures, lookin' at over $200. More than I want to spend. If I thought I could get by with 1, I wouldn't mind. Everyone says 2 for a 24" long tank.

The cheapest option would be T5s. Ive seen T5HO fixtures (2x24w) and T5NO fixtures (2x14w). Could I get by with the T5NO? They are about less than half the cost of the T5HO. Or would it be better to just do the 2x24w?

No more corals for me. I'm only keepin' this tank runnin' cause of my clowns. If somethin' ever happens to them, this tank and all corals/rock will be sold. I just need somethin' so the corals I have now will be fine. The clowns host the hairy mushrooms.

I'm pretty much out of SW/Reef now. That's why I don't want to drop a lot on a light fixture.

Thoughts?
Steve

 

[M@!]

I've been happy with my aquastyle online kit. I'm running 16 LEDs on my 20L. I would have gotten the 24 light kit but I only had a 10 gallon when I ordered the kit. The 24 kit is around $130 shipped.

AquaStyle Online

Here are some par readings for you.

 

[SRT80]

Those look really bright in the picture. Considering my tank is 24x12 and yours is 30x12, it looks like the 16 light like you have would be perfect.

I'm not really a DIY person though. I will look into it though.

Thanks for the reply,
Steve

 

[M@!]

I'm sure they would look great on a 24" tank. You might have a little fade at the edges but it wouldn't be bad at all. I actually got the 14 LED kit, they ship two extra in case any are damaged. I went all in and they all worked. The drivers are the same as the 24 LED kit so you can add more if needed.

How are your soldering skills? Soldering the LED's was the only thing that took some time. If you are comfortable with the soldering iron I would say go for it.

Here's a good build thread on nano-reef. http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=279188

If you have any specific questions let me know.

 

[SRT80]

I have never soldered anything before. Always wanted to learn as I hate payin' people to change out electronics/pickups on my bass guitars.

I might consider it, but the soldering makes me a little nervous.

Steve

 

[M@!]

Sounds like a good skill for you to pick up! Maybe a member of the TN club will give you a hand?

It's not difficult but a good teacher definitely helps.