T5/LED combination fixtures!?!?!?

Zack · Jan 29, 2013

I was looking into a new fixture for my sps only tank, and I have seen a few t5/led combo fixtures, which sounds great. You get the great coloration from t5s and the growth of leds. Sounds like the best of both worlds!!
I know Ati is going to release one soon, which will probably be the best option as far as these combo fixtures go, but I was wondering if anyone uses a combo fixture like this and what kind of results you are getting.
Does anyone know when the ati fixture will come out, and what other combo fixtures if any, are worth having. If the ati won't be released for quite a while I may try to find a different brand to tide me over untill the ati release, any suggestions?

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revsgirl · Jan 29, 2013

:bump2:

twiddledog · Jan 29, 2013

I am running Ai Vega LEDs with T5 lighting as well..seems to be working really well once I got over the initial spectrum change from my previous MH bulbs.
I think it is the way to go personally.

Rockhead · Jan 29, 2013

twiddledog said:
I am running Ai Vega LEDs with T5 lighting as well..seems to be working really well once I got over the initial spectrum change from my previous MH bulbs.
I think it is the way to go personally.

How many T5s are u running with the Vegas.

Zack · Jan 29, 2013

Since led cool whites give off so much white , wonder if you need any of the whiter spectrum t5s? Or if the t5s would just be the blues and purples?

fishes2889 · Jan 29, 2013

Im thinking the same thing! Im getting the reefbreeders 36inch controllable led light soon and im going to take apart my sunlight supply fixture to get one ballast and endcaps for 2 t5's on each side of the led. Its for a 75g and im going to have to make a canopy so it doesnt look crappy. Itll be cost effective compared to an all-in-one unit.

jedimasterben · Jan 29, 2013

Zack said:
Since led cool whites give off so much white , wonder if you need any of the whiter spectrum t5s? Or if the t5s would just be the blues and purples?

That's what you're trying to make up for is cool white's horrendous spectral deficiency, especially in some of the newer fixtures with Cree XT-E cool whites.

Rockhead · Jan 29, 2013

I had Apollo LEDS and started to burn my SPS at the top and started to lose color in the rest of the tank, ran them for 4 months and then added a t5 retrofit 4 bulb kit at the same time dimmed the LEDs to 30% on whites and blues . within a couple of months started to see color coming back, so I went ahead and removed the LEDs and added 2 more T5s for a total of 6 bulbs and I am happy with my T5s, go's to show not all tanks like LEDs, @ least mine didn't.

RavePartyReef · Jan 29, 2013

I have also been reading lots of fuzz about the new ATI hybrid coming out soon...I'm sure it will show the Radions and Vegas what they are lacking and we will see those barely used systems for sale everywhere, and lots of people ****** for all the $ spent on something they used for such a short time.

Starblenny · Jan 29, 2013

+1 I'm waiting for the ATI Led x T5 fixture and waiting to see how good they are.

Fidofence · Jan 29, 2013

I'm waiting on the fixture too, I have a ati 10 bulb power module and my growth is great but I would love the shimmer of led with it

Dowtish · Jan 29, 2013

This was done by a good friend here in Nashville.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/mi...20-t5-light-emitting-diodes-hybrid-build.html

guichi1210 · Jan 29, 2013

Before Icecap went out of business they had a 48x17 inch T5/LED fixture that included 4 LED tubes sized equal to a T5 with same ends and 4 more spots for T5 bulbs not included. I bought one while in clearance for $399 including the LED tubes. It is a great unit with the best of both worlds. I can grow and color zoa, acans, chalices and any LPS very well. Don't know about LPS because don't have any yet. I'm glad that finally other fixtures are coming out since there is no replacement bulbs for mine in the market.

fishes2889 · Jan 29, 2013

Dowtish said:
This was done by a good friend here in Nashville.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/mi...20-t5-light-emitting-diodes-hybrid-build.html

That is the exact fixture i have hmmm i smell a DIY project coming up

turnerd4 · Jan 29, 2013

I retrofit 40 cree LEDs and also have a 2 bulb t5 fixture over my 90 gallon and could not be happier with growth and color. I am running 1 figi purple, 1 blue plus, 2 white LEDs and the other 38 are a combination of violet, royal blue and blue LEDs. Here is a picture taken of my pink millie that was taken on 4/18/13 (with too many white LEDs, in my opinion) and a picture that was taken on 1/14/13. The pictures were also taken with my phone.

turnerd4 · Jan 29, 2013

4/18/12*

Dowtish · Jan 29, 2013

fishes2889 said:
That is the exact fixture i have hmmm i smell a DIY project coming up

Do it! He has had excellent color and growth since the change.

RavePartyReef · Jan 30, 2013

There has been more and more reefers trying hybrids and getting a switch in the color pattern of their sps and chalices especially. I believe at this time is no secret to anyone hybrids will take the spotlight. I read ATI has stopped selling some t5 only fixtures in the US, I mean lets face it, LEDs are here to stay, and whatever company sticks to opposing that will go to the hole. That being said, obviously there is a reason that top notch company has awaited to come out with a new fixture, while ecotech and AI kept bringing a new fixture again saying now they got it right... I also read ATI along with another company(not mentioned, I bet ecotech) are the only two companies to produce a fixture with some unique blue led(new technology- I believe manufactured by Phillips)that is what makes a difference when we talk color response in corals. I can't find the article, if I find it I will post it here.