ReefGeezer
Valuable Member
I have a lot of shadow areas. I'm interested in finding out how others have managed this issue. Is anyone using the hybrid T5 fixtures with their LEDs to reduce shadowing? Thanks.
My lighting Issue
- Thread starter ReefGeezer
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Ron Reefman
Lets Go Snorkeling!
Reef Squad
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Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
MAC of SW Florida
I think using t5's with leds is becoming popular.
Personally, I tried them and didn't like the look or the loss of dimming control. So I got a 2nd led fixture. The one toward the front of the tank runs a slightly whiter schedule and the one to the rear runs a slightly bluer schedule. IMHO it looks very cool from out in front and it really reduced the shadows. BTW, I use led fixtures with a very wide set array of leds rather than pucks or tight bundles.
Personally, I tried them and didn't like the look or the loss of dimming control. So I got a 2nd led fixture. The one toward the front of the tank runs a slightly whiter schedule and the one to the rear runs a slightly bluer schedule. IMHO it looks very cool from out in front and it really reduced the shadows. BTW, I use led fixtures with a very wide set array of leds rather than pucks or tight bundles.
Andrew9909
Active Member
T5/ LED hybrid fixtures have become extremely popular for many reasons these days, eliminating shadows being one of the them. What lighting are you currently using on your tank?
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ReefGeezer
Valuable Member
Thanks for the responses. I currently have only two Rapid LED Onyx fixtures with about 8000-9000 hours on them. Everything is growing well. I think I have enough PAR, but it's just those pesky shadows. More than anything, the shadows just make the tank look darker than I like. I can't raise the fixtures easily because they are inside a canopy. They are about 10" above the water now.
I just shelled out a boat load of cash for a calcium reactor so I have to do this upgrade on a budget. I've been debating adding a Reef Brite LED Strip, a hybrid 4X 54W T5HO fixture, or being very cheap and using LED components from my old DIY fixture to build something to help with the shadows and get an overall brighter tank.
I just shelled out a boat load of cash for a calcium reactor so I have to do this upgrade on a budget. I've been debating adding a Reef Brite LED Strip, a hybrid 4X 54W T5HO fixture, or being very cheap and using LED components from my old DIY fixture to build something to help with the shadows and get an overall brighter tank.
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ReefGeezer
Valuable Member
You have that right. I'll research and plan while I save my pennies. But even then, while it might be really cool, I don't think I want to spend a lot on a whole new lighting system. Even for my 90, a high quality system cost soooo much. Even a cheaply built 6X 54W T5 fixture seems too expensive by the time I add bulbs. Radions and the like are just out of the question... a guy has to eat!
