T5 vs. LED

[The Saltwater Kid]

Okay, I am in the market for a new light fixture. I had previously one of the small white box LED fixtures and liked it, liked the MH shimmer and the coloration of my corals seemed pretty good but it didn't have enough flexibility for me so I sold it and was automatically thinking of going the LED route again. A friend lent me her T5 fixture until I purchase my new light and with 3 actninic and 1 10k bulb in that fixture I must say I am impressed with the coloration of my corals...especially when I have just the actinics on, wow! I know obviously there is bulb replacement costs to factor in with a T5 fixture but for overall best coral coloration which do you think is the better choice?

 

[matty0206]

As soon as I get enough money I am going to get one of these:

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/Dimmable_SunPower_Fixtures/

I like led's but you can't match the color of t5's. The dimmable aspect of led's is what makes them so nice but now you can do the same with t5's and get the great color.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

You need to diy to get the best out of leds. That way you can make any kind of light that you want. You can add reds, greens, high noon leds, and virtually anyrhing else to add to the whites/blues. I will be adding a couple reds to my cureent fixtures and see what happens. Other than that, I get colors that are even better than some t-5 with just whites/blues, You will find the right ratio as you go.

 

[toromp]

You need to diy to get the best out of leds. That way you can make any kind of light that you want. You can add reds, greens, high noon leds, and virtually anyrhing else to add to the whites/blues. I will be adding a couple reds to my cureent fixtures and see what happens. Other than that, I get colors that are even better than some t-5 with just whites/blues, You will find the right ratio as you go.

+1 I have DIY over my Tank and I'm loving it!