T5 - From LED

Falcar · Apr 6, 2020

Hey all,

I've decided to go T5 on my new tank build i'm piecing together now. I like the plug and play approach to them, and I really don't want to have to worry about lighting. I like tinkering in some areas, but light really isn't it. I got an 8 blub 48" ATI non-dimmable fixture. What do you guys recommend for bulbs? Most of the research I've done has heavily weighed towards ATI Blue bulbs for at least 4, but what about the others?

Also thoughts on the Reefbrite XHO or Orphek led bars? Benefits of those? Differences between the two?

A. grandis · Apr 6, 2020

Get the bulbs you like. They all work. The bars aren't necessary. They would add "pop" of shimmer, but not necessary at all. Get the system running with the T5s first and then you add the bars later if you think you want...

blstravler · Apr 6, 2020

I have the same fixture but 6 bulbs. I run 4 blue plus, 1 actinic and 1 purple plus. I also added a Reefbrite LED strip. Couldn’t be happier with color and growth.

X-37B · Apr 6, 2020

My 120 runs 4b+ 4c+ 4" off the surface 8hrs a day.

WallyB · Apr 6, 2020

It has to be your choice. What look you like. More Full Spectrum look, or more blue.

I've stuggled with T5 bulb combos for years, and always making changes (which is kind of bad).
Every time I change the combo a bit, I like it better than before. It's just variety thing.

ATI Blue Plus is what I see in most stores with good Healthy Corals. So those are the main bulbs in my T5 Setup.
On top of the Blue Plus, at least one or two Coral Plus if you want a bit of help for growth, and all colors showing up.
And if you like nice Pop, get a ATI Purple plus (just one).
Skip getting Actinics. Sure they have value, but not for much for your eyes, and waste a slot in your fixture.

What I did is I got a few of each BP, CP, and PP, plus one or two spares of each, and played around.
You'll just have a spare for each after you pick the combo you like.

madweazl · Apr 6, 2020

Personal preference on the look is what will determine what you want. If ATI is the bulb of choice, check out this thread for references on what to expect. I use Blue+, Aquablue Special, Blue+, Purple+, Aquablue Special, and a Blue+ in my six bulb fixture (I'm not a fan of heavily blue looking tanks). They will all grow corals just fine.

Falcar · Apr 6, 2020

Thanks guys, so as long as you cover the blue spectrum well, the rest is personal preference?

Thanks so much for all the help. I hope this works out well, I was going between LED and T5 constantly, but man good LEDs would eat up so much of my budget.

Falcar · Apr 6, 2020

Also, thank you so much for that ATI thread! Lots of good info.

WallyB · Apr 6, 2020

Well T5's do add up if you SWAP them like (STORE MAY TELL YOU). [ie every 6 to 8 months]

That was a hinge point when I was thinking of going T5. Since bulbs do add up.

This VIDEO from a HONEST BRS TV changed my mind. (T5's don't age, or shift to Blue as much as people say)

I actually am glad I kept my old T5's that I swapped out, since they are still good. I got boxes and boxes of them.

The other thing people think is LED's last forever. They do last LONG. Sometimes longer than people stay in the Aquarium Hobby, but they don't last forever, and they do degrade too.