Reconsidering T5's for mixed reef.

[glb]

I'm doing a 40g breeder build and am saving up for the lights I really want. I plan to grow softies, LPS, SPS, and maybe a clam. I have LEDs on my nano, but I'm wondering if T5's might be easier as I dive into SPS. Your thoughts?

 

[saltyphish]

I believe both are good for Sps. Having said that my 80 build will have t5's over it. I think t5's are more forgiving than leds.

 

[glb]

I believe both are good for Sps. Having said that my 80 build will have t5's over it. I think t5's are more forgiving than leds.

I think you may be right. I love LPS and could never get them to grow under LEDs.

 

[saltyphish]

or use both and get the best of both worlds.

 

[LSorenson98]

I think T5 LED hybrid should be something to consider

 

[Kershaw]

I think LEDs are like Windows computer. they give you more control but have there problems. Mh and t5 just work. I love all the lights I'm a kessil guy but want to add t5 just to step up my game

 

[GXPKY]

or use both and get the best of both worlds.

+1

 

[GXPKY]

Im going with 2 radions 4x t5 bulbs ovee my 150 cube build. In the past my only issue i have with t5s is the fact they degrade over time...and halides i had heat and evaporation issues as well as the fact my electric bill was noticably higher.

 

[glb]

I think LEDs are like Windows computer. they give you more control but have there problems. Mh and t5 just work. I love all the lights I'm a kessil guy but want to add t5 just to step up my game

I agree. I haven't had the best of luck with LEDs on my nano. For a 40g breeder mixed reef, should I get a 36", which is the length of the tank? If I want success with softies and other lower light corals, would it make more sense to get a 24" size so I'd have lower light areas? Also, how many bulbs do I need? I did some research and it seems that 4 bulbs is plenty. It's never going to be an only SPS setup. I know nothing about t5's so I'd appreciate everyone's input!

 

[GXPKY]

I agree. I haven't had the best of luck with LEDs on my nano. For a 40g breeder mixed reef, should I get a 36", which is the length of the tank? If I want success with softies and other lower light corals, would it make more sense to get a 24" size so I'd have lower light areas? Also, how many bulbs do I need? I did some research and it seems that 4 bulbs is plenty. It's never going to be an only SPS setup. I know nothing about t5's so I'd appreciate everyone's input!

Yes, go the length of the tank. Can shade corals under rock overhangs etc.

 

[rock_lobster]

T5s most consistent growth, dont effect tank temperature, quick easy acclimation, no bleaching or killing all your coral. placement in a T5 tank is pretty much anywhere.

 

[glb]

Yes, go the length of the tank. Can shade corals under rock overhangs etc.

So lps will grow in thar much light?

 

[glb]

T5s most consistent growth, dont effect tank temperature, quick easy acclimation, no bleaching or killing all your coral. placement in a T5 tank is pretty much anywhere.

Sounds pretty foolproof to me!

 

[GXPKY]

So lps will grow in thar much light?

Yup, theyll keep their colors better as well

 

[glb]

Is 4 bulbs enough?

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Two t5 actinics with a reefbrite strip would look nice

 

[rock_lobster]

Yep 4 bulb is fine as long as you change them once every 6 month.

 

[glb]

How about zoas? I love them but jave had no luck with them under LEDs

Two t5 actinics with a reefbrite strip would look nice

the reefbrite is a small led rigbt?

 

[Zero Nitrates]

http://m.marinedepot.com/products/3m01000/reef-brite-tech-led-blue-strip-light?group=false

A 36 inch reefbrite with a two bulb t5 fixture would be an option for you. I use the same set up on a 75 gallon with chalices, acans, trumpets, zoas, montiporas.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

I use the 48 inch lights