T5 / LED combo fixture

[-Logzor]

I'm looking for a decent fixture that has a combo of T5 and LEDs. I really like T5's but I just want some of the shimmer of LEDs.

Apparently ATI is suppose to have one that LEDs build in.

What do you recommend?

 

[-Logzor]

I'm considering this one but there is apparently some controller you need that costs an extra $400. It's already too pricey.

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/li...nesis-t5/sfiligoi-genesis-t5-120-led-lighting

Is there a better option out there?

 

[KSzegi]

I run a 60" Genesis over my 300 ..... great fixture - got it from Aquatics Elite and Tim was awesome to work with.... I would talk to him if you're thinking about this fixture! Pricey but it is a very nice fixture. You don't need the controller ..... it can be controlled by simple timers or an apex or another controller too. I got the Sfiligoli controller with mine and am glad I did.

 

[creefer]

DIY????

Been considering my options and keep coming back to DIY or a packaged system. Packaged systems are rather pricey though. I'm in a similar situation as you. I really like my T5 but want the shimmer of LED. I've also been considering AI sols or Vegas but am struggling with that as well. I currently supplement by T5 with ecoexotic stunners, but the stunners are simply not powerful enough to give shimmer against the T5.......confused I remain.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

DIY is the way to go with combo fixtures, or get a manufactured LED or T-5 fixture, and DIY just the T-5 or LED part.

 

[-Logzor]

I'm somewhat opposed to a DIY option. I have a nice rimless tank over a gloss-white modern stand. All DIY fixtures look like science fair projects to me. Great option for inside a canopy though.

 

[Troylee]

I'm somewhat opposed to a DIY option. I have a nice rimless tank over a gloss-white modern stand. All DIY fixtures look like science fair projects to me. Great option for inside a canopy though.

Pick up a nice t5 fixture and add a couple reefbrites to it... They look sleek and clean IMHO... I have a rimless cube also with a triple threat I made and it's clean looking... Just got to get creative..

 

[-Logzor]

I run a 60" Genesis over my 300 ..... great fixture - got it from Aquatics Elite and Tim was awesome to work with.... I would talk to him if you're thinking about this fixture! Pricey but it is a very nice fixture. You don't need the controller ..... it can be controlled by simple timers or an apex or another controller too. I got the Sfiligoli controller with mine and am glad I did.

I figured I could run the on/off functions by using my aquacontroller. My concern is the brightness of the LEDs. So I can't dim them without the controller from them? I don't really care about the dusk/dawn on the LEDs I just want to be able to turn a dial to dim them at a constant rate.

Do you think they would put in three rows of just RB if I asked? I really don't want the white in there, I can do that with T5's. The POP from the RB is what I want.

 

[-Logzor]

Pick up a nice t5 fixture and add a couple reefbrites to it... They look sleek and clean IMHO... I have a rimless cube also with a triple threat I made and it's clean looking... Just got to get creative..

That's a great suggestion and I've considered it. Right now I have an Aquaactinics constellation, which is a 7 bulb fixture. The tank is 48x30x24. So I really do need more light, the spread isn't wide enough with only 7 bulbs.

I'm nervous about drilling into it and how it will end up looking. I think it might turn out poorly.

 

[creefer]

Pick up a nice t5 fixture and add a couple reefbrites to it... They look sleek and clean IMHO... I have a rimless cube also with a triple threat I made and it's clean looking... Just got to get creative..

Looks like I need to look into the reefbrites....

 

[-Logzor]

Anything else out there aside from the genesis?

 

[Troylee]

That's a great suggestion and I've considered it. Right now I have an Aquaactinics constellation, which is a 7 bulb fixture. The tank is 48x30x24. So I really do need more light, the spread isn't wide enough with only 7 bulbs.

I'm nervous about drilling into it and how it will end up looking. I think it might turn out poorly.

Velcro them on lol...:tongue:

 

[jgraz]

Anything else out there aside from the genesis?

Eshines Aquamaster. Nice fixture. Very little info on it. I was minutes away from ordering when I decided to go just T5. The info on the site states they come with a normal output T5 ballest/bulb. You must ask for the HO ballest. The little info I have found has been positive.

 

[KSzegi]

I figured I could run the on/off functions by using my aquacontroller. My concern is the brightness of the LEDs. So I can't dim them without the controller from them? I don't really care about the dusk/dawn on the LEDs I just want to be able to turn a dial to dim them at a constant rate.

Do you think they would put in three rows of just RB if I asked? I really don't want the white in there, I can do that with T5's. The POP from the RB is what I want.

As far as I know the led's can be controlled with a neptune or profilux .... and probably some other diy way. I can't say for certain but I'm pretty sure that Tim would go all 3 rows of the blue led's ..... I know a 'standard' option on their site is 2 rows of blue and only 1 row of white for an extra $40-50 and they do custom lights so I wouldn't think it would be an issue.

 

[-Logzor]

Velcro them on lol...:tongue:

I'll use a super-glue epoxy ball, just like my frags.

 

[hddtran]

you can do something like Sahin did in his thread by adding a strip of LED into the T5 fixture.

My ATI Sunpower T5/LED Hybrid - with PAR measurements as well - Reef Central Online Community

 

[-Logzor]

you can do something like Sahin did in his thread by adding a strip of LED into the T5 fixture.

My ATI Sunpower T5/LED Hybrid - with PAR measurements as well - Reef Central Online Community

That's a pretty neat idea!

Now that I'm thinking about it. It might work out best if I buy two small 48" LED fixtures and hang them alongside my 7 bulb constellation. Kinda like Troylee suggested, but rather than bolting them on the side I can simply put a bar across the constellation, connecting all three fixtures and just use the same hanging kit I have now. Now I just need to find two small LED fixtures that are 48" long...

 

[Troylee]

Reefbrites come in 48" lengths...

 

[-Logzor]

Reefbrites come in 48" lengths...

Those are probably the best option. Each would be at least equivalent to adding an extra T5 bulb, right?

Will I get shimmer with two of those plus my 7 T5 bulbs?

What is the XHO model? Do they mount the same?

RB-PM48-B Premium Aquatics - RB-PM48-B Aquarium Supplies

 

[ColaAddict]

Check out www.prestige-led.com
He has t5/led combo fixtures coming out in september