Might be thinking about switching from led to t5??

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 17, 2016

I need a 48 in fixture for my 72 gal bowfront. I can't decide whether to stay with led or go to t5? And if so what are some good t5 figures to use? My reef tank will have sps, lps, fish, ect... all the above. Would something like this pic below be enough ?

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 17, 2016

Please post suggestions and pics of what lights are sufficient enough for all kinds of coral

(t5 or led t5 combo?

thegeb2909 · Mar 17, 2016

I use this in my tank and the lighting is amazing

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 17, 2016

thegeb2909 said:
I use this in my tank and the lighting is amazing

For reef tanks? Is is string enough answer reach the lower depths ?

thegeb2909 · Mar 17, 2016

Yes it works fine for coral, it's designed for coral, there built in coral cycles on the ramp timer and all

jsker · Mar 17, 2016

I switch from the Orbit Marine LED's two weeks ago to the Hydra 26 HD, I am using two of them. The Orbit did a great job and is a good light for starting a reef, but after switching, all I can say is WOW what a difference. Once @john.m.cole3 get his System setup completely we are you to start a thread with a comparison between T5's and Hydra LED. We both have the same tank as yourself.

WVReefJunkie · Mar 17, 2016

Leds are a better choice over t5 lighting. If you were going to have say a softie tank, I would say sure. T5s will produce more heat over leds, plus the cost of bulbs.

Jonathan blackwood · Mar 17, 2016

jsker said:
I switch from the Orbit Marine LED's two weeks ago to the Hydra 26 HD, I am using two of them. The Orbit did a great job and is a good light for starting a reef, but after switching, all I can say is WOW what a difference. Once @john.m.cole3 get his System setup completely we are you to start a thread with a comparison between T5's and Hydra LED. We both have the same tank as yourself.

I have ai Vegas on the tank now, but they are old and acting up. So I'm trying to figure out what to put on there next.

BryanS4 · Mar 17, 2016

The above Orbit Marine doesn't put off enough light for most SPS, maybe a birdsnest at the very top of the tank, but not Acro.

Ditch the Led's and don't look back. I was running Led's and switched over all my tanks to ATI Sunpower units. Best thing I've done in a long time.

WVReefJunkie · Mar 17, 2016

There is good and bad leds. You will pay more upfront for good ones but they will last forever. They will save you electricity, less heat fluctuations, different color options. I would look at the EcoTech lights.

jsker · Mar 17, 2016

Jonathan blackwood said:
I have ai Vegas on the tank now, but they are old and acting up. So I'm trying to figure out what to put on there next.

I only have my lights at 40% and my sps, and corals down low are really getting they color back and opening up again. If you click on the link in my signature, that will take you to my tank build and you can see the difference.

jsker · Mar 17, 2016

WVReefJunkie said:
There is good and bad leds. You will pay more upfront for good ones but they will last forever. They will save you electricity, less heat fluctuations, different color options. I would look at the EcoTech lights.

Hydra HD & Eco tech are same company, it was odd when I found that out. Both are good light, and after researching I went with the Hydra. @WVReefJunkie I totally agree with you and the expense. Do not go cheep. I do have my Orbit Marine LED for sale