Switching from LED to T5 ?

dave171 · Jun 23, 2015

I was thinking about switching my current fluval sea led lights to some nice t5 vho or ho lights. What's the big difference? Is it worth it? I always have liked the look t5 give corals vs led lights but maybe I just bought the wrong leds lol. I like the fluorescent and how it brings out colors in the corals.I've looked at kessils and radions and still like t5 better. Are there any leds close to T5 or no any advice or input is welcomed!

DaveMorris · Jun 23, 2015

Unfortunately it is such a subjective thing. I am still a lover of metal halide, but I may be switching over to LEDs. I have been seeing a lot of beautiful SPS tanks that are running T5 lighting exclusively. If you like the T5's I would keep them.

kevinsmixed90 · Jun 23, 2015

on my 90 bow front. I have the advantage of both T5's and radions on the same tank. I am always turning on and off each to see the difference in lighting. it is a deep tank and I think the radions light the bottom better but the T5 bulbs are over a year old and need to be replaced. also, with the reef link wireless module (another 100 bucks) the radions can be very fine tuned to your needs. I have found myself looking and reading all I can find on the dimmable sunpower T5's eight bulb fixture. they do offer all the features I get with the radion pro's as far as sunrise/sunset and the lunar cycle as well as being dimmable and they look sharp. currently I have a aquatic life 6 bulb fixture and 2 radion xr30w gen 3's on the tank and can grow any sps I choose to. I think the led's use less electricity and they are great lights and I do think they compare to t5's I have not tried the Kessil's so no comment there. I read there is a great selection of bulbs with the ATI sun powers to get the lighting effect you want. they are also a little cheaper than the Radions if that is an issue. hope this helps!

d2mini · Jun 23, 2015

T5 is a completely different look.
The light coverage is very even and flat. No shadows. No shimmer.
Your tank will look much brighter, too. I like that part.
I've also seen sps colors under T5 that are amazing and just can't be achieved with other lighting.

But personally, I prefer the look of MH supplemented with T5 to help tweak color and fill in some shadows, as opposed to a T5 only tank. Still plenty of shimmer and great growth/color.