T5 or LED for Frag Tank

HenHouse

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I was wondering what you might suggest for a 40g breeder frag tank. Most frags would be SPS was some LPS and a softie here and there maybe. Suggestions?

I use two Ecotech Gen4 Pros on my 90 display. I like them. Frag tank would be focused on fast growth (don't want halide though).
 
I was wondering what you might suggest for a 40g breeder frag tank. Most frags would be SPS was some LPS and a softie here and there maybe. Suggestions?

I use two Ecotech Gen4 Pros on my 90 display. I like them. Frag tank would be focused on fast growth (don't want halide though).
Why not both? I just switched from led only to a led/T5 hybrid and so far love it (just switched last night lol) but led t5 combo seems to be the gold standard right now.
 
What unit are you using?
I have the aquatic life T5 hybrid with a Kessil AP700, check out my build thread in my signature or the kessil show off thread to see more :)
 
Yep I'm in the Hybrid camp as well, best of both worlds. Better growth and coloring than LED alone. I run a DIY fixture with 2 Hydra 26's and 4 T5's.
 
You can use either an 8 or 6 bulb ATI Sunpower for your 40 breeder.
T5s only! Colors and growth!
Grandis.
 
I would suggest t5 over led for growth. Both would be best for growth and color, but if only one t5 wins imo. Could always get a t5 and add led later.
 
I think you have 3 options (really have about 10, but I'm sticking with these 3).

(1) A 36" ATI 6 or 8 bulb T5 fixture- pros: proven light, lower up front cost
(2) Two radion XR15pros. Pros: what you are currently using and know you like, no acclimation worries having to move frags from T5 only to LED display later (but I have no idea if this is a big deal or not to be honest). Negatives- going to be more up front cost
(3) Hybrid- A 36 inch aquatic life fixture with one Radion Xr15pro in the middle. Mount the fixture at a height that you need to get the spread you need from the LED, or focus your high light corals more directly underneath the LED. Pros / Cons: cost will be a little less than option #2 but more than option #1. You will have a great combination of LED and T5. Two proven winners.

Another small thing to think about. Do you want to have all your frags on the bottom on racks, or do you want to use tiers / multiple heights? With option 1, your par will be very even throughout the tank. Since you said you are going to do SPS, LPS, and softies, this might be a small issue to consider. With option 3, you would have high to low par zones created which you will easily be able to place your mixed reef frags with your softies and LPS being on the outside areas and your higher light corals in the middle directly under the LED. I'm sure someone else with more knowledge and hands on experience on lighting mixed frag tanks could comment on this and share better insight. I'm just thinking out loud wondering what I'd do or want. Lol.
 
If you can afford it, I agree hybrid. If not, then a good T5 fixture from what I’ve seen. However maybe I just think that because everyone wants what they can’t have lol. My dad would rather have me spend an extra couple hundred on LEDs over T5 because they use less electricity.
 
I'm in the Hybrid (T5 and Hydras) camp : However some of the nicest frags available(@Battlecorals ) are being grown under RB Photons.
 

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