Should I add T5s with existing Radions??

[Blarge01]

I am looking for input on whether or not to add a couple T5 bulbs to my setup. I am getting ready to upgrade from a 55 gallon setup with two XR15 gen 4 to a 125 gallon setup with the two xr 15s and one XR 30 gen 4. I would be adding a T5 60 inch 80 watt along the front and one along the back. What’s the benefit? I appreciate any and all opinions.

 

[scuzy]

I'll say yes t5 led combo is awesome. The added par and coverage is great.

 

[Blarge01]

I'll say yes t5 led combo is awesome. The added par and coverage is great.

Thanks. Just trying to determine if the extra money is worth it. Guessing more PAR = more growth?? Sorry still learning.

 

[madweazl]

Is there something your Radions are currently lacking that you believe the T5s will address? Why go with an XR30 if you already have XR15s? You could add another pair of XR15s and that will give you more flexibility in regard to placement.

 

[Blarge01]

Is there something your Radions are currently lacking that you believe the T5s will address? Why go with an XR30 if you already have XR15s? You could add another pair of XR15s and that will give you more flexibility in regard to placement.

The XR 30 is already a done deal. The T5s were a suggestion from LFS. I don’t think the Radions will be lacking. Just looking for input on the suggested T5s.

 

[Reefer40b]

I say Yes to add T5's. ALL leds have shadowing issues unless running way over recommended at lower intensities. The T5's will help out with shadows good blanket coverage.

 

[madweazl]

I say Yes to add T5's. ALL leds have shadowing issues unless running way over recommended at lower intensities. The T5's will help out with shadows good blanket coverage.

Is that really a true statement?

 

[Reefer40b]

Is that really a true statement?

Just been my experience, so its true to me if that counts for anything... I would also like to note that this really isnt an issue until things grow big, frags no big deal, colony on the other hand the top will be alive and the base will be dead if shadowed..

 

[ajhudson15]

Does adding a t5 add anything the radions don't. Sorry I have a similar set up and have been contemplating adding a t5 bulb as well. Allot of people say the t5 grows better as far as some color and some certain lps goes.

 

[Blarge01]

Does adding a t5 add anything the radions don't. Sorry I have a similar set up and have been contemplating adding a t5 bulb as well. Allot of people say the t5 grows better as far as some color and some certain lps goes.

That’s what I am not sure of. I am on the fence whether or not to add them.

 

[ajhudson15]

Im thinking about doing it due the added color when my lights hit peak time. My radions are really close to the water since I have them mounted to the canopy which is short so I don't think I need to add allot more par but more or so for color

 

[bif24701]

Is there something your Radions are currently lacking that you believe the T5s will address? Why go with an XR30 if you already have XR15s? You could add another pair of XR15s and that will give you more flexibility in regard to placement.

I agree here about getting two more XR15s. The ability to position or spread them apart to maximize or create ideal coverage zones is great.

I think that any system benefit from the addition of T5s. T5s are just very good for SPS and acros for their spectrums and coverage.

 

[Daniel Waters]

Several different issues being addressed, so my 2 cents on each.

As far as extra par, yes, the T5s will give you extra par. However, you may not even need the extra par unless you're already at full intensity on the radions. Adding an extra LED unit might provide the same type of bump in par you're needing, though. But if you have a really long tank, the t5 bulbs can sometimes be a little easier versus trying to buy extra led units and spacing them closer together.

As far a quality of light, some people might say T5 bulbs provide better spectrum coverages. I'm really not sure about this claim. I think modern led manufacturers have done a pretty good job of using appropriate LEDs to provide needed spectrum and in appropriate proportions that will grow corals very well. There are plenty of LED only tanks out there that can attest to this.

Visually, the T5s will make the tank look different. It will be more diffuse than just LEDs, and it will reduce the disco ball effect and make shimmer less noticeable (but will still definitely be present). Some people like the combination, some people don't. I like both. I love my leds for shimmer but I love the diffused light source with the t5s. I love the programmability of my LEDs- dawn / dusk options and ability to easily ramp them up and down throughout the day as needed is nice.

As far as shadowing, I think T5s provide a more diffuse light source and do reduce shadowing which can be of benefit in tanks with larger coral colonies. If you use enough LED units or use led units that utilize more spread out configurations, then I believe this can address shadowing issues also.

 

[Blarge01]

Several different issues being addressed, so my 2 cents on each.

As far as extra par, yes, the T5s will give you extra par. However, you may not even need the extra par unless you're already at full intensity on the radions. Adding an extra LED unit might provide the same type of bump in par you're needing, though. But if you have a really long tank, the t5 bulbs can sometimes be a little easier versus trying to buy extra led units and spacing them closer together.

As far a quality of light, some people might say T5 bulbs provide better spectrum coverages. I'm really not sure about this claim. I think modern led manufacturers have done a pretty good job of using appropriate LEDs to provide needed spectrum and in appropriate proportions that will grow corals very well. There are plenty of LED only tanks out there that can attest to this.

Visually, the T5s will make the tank look different. It will be more diffuse than just LEDs, and it will reduce the disco ball effect and make shimmer less noticeable (but will still definitely be present). Some people like the combination, some people don't. I like both. I love my leds for shimmer but I love the diffused light source with the t5s. I love the programmability of my LEDs- dawn / dusk options and ability to easily ramp them up and down throughout the day as needed is nice.

As far as shadowing, I think T5s provide a more diffuse light source and do reduce shadowing which can be of benefit in tanks with larger coral colonies. If you use enough LED units or use led units that utilize more spread out configurations, then I believe this can address shadowing issues also.

Thank you for taking the time to write this out. I appreciate all the information.

 

[BantyRooster97]

I've been considering adding T5s to my ED set-up, I will add 1 thing... if you add them, add the light slowly. Don't jump in and blast your corals with 10 hours of new T5s day 1, you'll fry them.

 

[rocsec1]

I,did and have nothing but good,things happen with coral,hrowth

 

[rocsec1]

Double post sorry

 

[jeffrey holloway]

My setups wouldn't be complete with out T5s. I run 2x Blue Plus, 2x Aqua Blue specials, 2x Purple Plus, 2x Kessil A360 Tuna Blues and a Kessil AP AP700 over a 150g. Sticks love it and it gives me a comfort zone knowing that those T5s could do the job by themselves.

 

[jda]

Depending on what you want to keep, I would add the T5s. If a mixed reef with softies, then do not worry about it. If you want clams, acropora and some more difficult coral, then yes. Radion do have spectrum gaps especially below 420nm and above 660ish. They also do shadow once you get colonies unless you use a lot of them. I would not add T5 for more output, but rather for spectrum and coverage... two things that Radion are OK at, but do not excel.

 

[ajhudson15]

Depending on what you want to keep, I would add the T5s. If a mixed reef with softies, then do not worry about it. If you want clams, acropora and some more difficult coral, then yes. Radion do have spectrum gaps especially below 420nm and above 660ish. They also do shadow once you get colonies unless you use a lot of them. I would not add T5 for more output, but rather for spectrum and coverage... two things that Radion are OK at, but do not excel.

What t5's should I go with if I just want to add spectrum and not par. I run 2 radion xr30 g4 pros on a 75 mixed reef