T5 or LED Lighting

shogun1964 · May 29, 2017

I currently have a 60 gallon tank that will eventually have coral mostly with some fish. Before I waste my money on an incorrect light setup, here is my question. I am currently looking at the Aquatic 48" EDGE REEF LED and a AquaticLife MARQUIS Marine Dual T5 HO Fixture. What would be my best choice as there cost is in my price range. I know there is better choices but they cost a whole lot more.

ndrwater · May 29, 2017

LED, and here's why.. T5 is great, but... There is an annual (+/-) replacement bulb cost.
I run Radions and I love em. So do my corals.

saltyfilmfolks · May 29, 2017

It's not a lot of light you've chosen there.
Most often folks go with the Chinese mars Aqua or sbreeflight as a lower budget option
The SB's offer some bells and whistles like ramping and timers or just on off bare bones too, Chinese black boxes are no frills.
Both have more power than you need.

Redneckreef90 · May 29, 2017

T5's and will leave this pic right here for evidence. Yes there is a replace cost but I don't care. Like the ease and simplicity of them.

nemofan17 · May 29, 2017

T5 I love mine!

Cory · May 29, 2017

Both, leds for main output and t5s to grow corraline!

saltyfilmfolks · May 29, 2017

Cory said:
Both, leds for main output and t5s to grow corraline!

A photons a photons a photon.

EW_Fish · May 29, 2017

Either or. Both have proven to give amazing color and growth... People will argue back and forth all day but there are tons of amazing tanks. EITHER running leds or t5s.... OR both.

KSReefing · May 30, 2017

Led with a T5 retrofit kit

Jose Moreno · May 30, 2017

T5s. Grow coral more efficiently and effectively

gacolt · May 30, 2017

Docdiggy · May 30, 2017

T5 with a bit of led.

BoomCorals · May 30, 2017

Totally personal preference. They both perform the same.

bpseal · May 31, 2017

I have two Kessil 360we's along with 2, 2 bulb dimmable MIRO 4 kits from BRS. My tank has been up for two weeks and already seen acro growth. Love the shimmer plus the growing power of T5'S. BOTH!

alex.mccann99 · May 31, 2017

You can pick up a Gen 3 Pro Radion for a few hundred bucks and it's worth every penny. Been using mine since it first came out, love it. Grows anything.

Candyapplezoo · May 31, 2017

this is my 240 gallon reef with leds aqua lummnaiton hydra 26 have three of them

Scott.h · May 31, 2017

The simple solution is both. T5 for ease of use with coral health, especially for the beginner, and the LEDs for the aesthetics and pop that is visually attractive to us.

happyhourhero · May 31, 2017

I personally love my LED. Mine turn on and off at set times. Blues come on, whites come on, whites go off, blues go off. Simple as can be.

KSReefing · May 31, 2017

Dont let the cost of leds scare you. I have used mars aqua leds from ebay with T5 supplement. You get the shimmer with LED plus the awesome pop of blue light with the added coverage of proven lighting go grow anything you want.

Ive had all the big brand name LED lighting units and they all are the same. Save that money and put it into something else for your tank.