What is/are the best reef light?

[ThatTennesseeBeardedGuy]

Okay so since being in this hobby nobody can seem to give a straightforward answer. So i just wanted to ask about yalls best experiences with reef lighting. T5s, MH, or LEDs? Or a mixture? Would love to see if we get some trends!

 

[Jon Fishman]

It’s very subjective, and most people don’t have long term firsthand experience with all, and independently. This is why you won’t get a black and white answer

 

[Sidvicious]

Metal Halides reigned supreme back in the day along with VHO’s but as time has passed newer and better technologies have evolved. I don’t think you’d find a better combo than that of an LED/T5 combo.

 

[ScottB]

My sticks seem to prefer T5. No hot spots, no shadows.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

I personally use Reef Breeders Photon V2+. As stated above, it will be hard to find someone that has had experience with multiple lights. I do also have a AI PrimeHD over a smaller tank that has anemones in it, but mu nems do seem to prefer the Reef Breeders with pretty much identical schedules and intensity.

 

[User1]

There is no best and as stated above by @Jon Fishman it will be subjective. We all have different opinions based on what we have used or currently using. To complicate it what works for one may not work for the other. Plenty of successful tanks (by success I mean shows healthy coral growth and maturity - not necessarily color) are being run by LED's, T-5's, MH, combination of the three, and....natural sunlight (indoor tubes and outdoor systems).

Anybody here who says this is the best is wrong. Unfortunately while it is best for "them" it isn't the best in the hobby or class if that makes sense. Not knocking them or anyone. Plan the system and any lighting will work. And by plan I mean tank, flow, parameters, lighting, livestock (coral and fish), and anything I may have forgot. The key to success is having a plan and keeping things that fit within.

Sorry if this isn't a "this is the best" reply but it is, well, complicated.

 

[ThatTennesseeBeardedGuy]

Also if you all have a particular led or product to mention feel free to!!!

 

[ThatTennesseeBeardedGuy]

There is no best and as stated above by @Jon Fishman it will be subjective. We all have different opinions based on what we have used or currently using. To complicate it what works for one may not work for the other. Plenty of successful tanks (by success I mean shows healthy coral growth and maturity - not necessarily color) are being run by LED's, T-5's, MH, combination of the three, and....natural sunlight (indoor tubes and outdoor systems).

Anybody here who says this is the best is wrong. Unfortunately while it is best for "them" it isn't the best overall. Plan the system and any lighting will work. And by plan I mean tank, flow, parameters, lighting, livestock (coral and fish), and anything I may have forgot. The key to success is having a plan and keeping things that fit within.

Sorry if this isn't a "this is the best" reply but it is, well, complicated.

Tbh thats what gets so difficult about choosing one for me, but I always really enjoy seeing everyone elses personal tastes to see if anything would match up with what i am trying to achieve.

 

[Be102]

I really like my orphek v4! Also seems like lots of aquariums use orphek as well!

 

[S2G]

Best for what? There is no straight answer tbh. I like the cleanness of kessil but omg the price. Same with other high end lighting.

I like the 165w fixtures. They'll grow what you want, can be hacked for controller, & can be repaired. Granted there's no ramping or a bunch of different settings. However for me the simplicity and cost is ideal.

You can also change the configuration fairly easy as well. You can get 3 for the price of 1 of the others.

Out the box best bang for the buck I like sb reefs

 

[Jon Fishman]

Tbh thats what gets so difficult about choosing one for me, but I always really enjoy seeing everyone elses personal tastes to see if anything would match up with what i am trying to achieve.

Well..... everyone wants fast growing, colorful coral.......

One of the local shops has 3 tanks set up in a “greenhouse” area in the front of the store. So natural sunlight. These are simply grow-out tanks for them. They are fiberglass tanks, 4’ deep probably, 4’ wide, and probably 15-20’ long each...... Everything looks dull green or brown under the natural light, but everything is huge in there!

Edit: Other answer, is the MarsAqua 300w are the best..... and I have 3 of them for sale, used less than 9 months.... Easy-Peasy

 

[spsick]

A good T5 fixture is the best beginner light because you just pick bulbs and run it. No room for tinkering yourself into failure. Advanced hobbyists can make anything work and it’s personal preference.

 

[themcnertney]

I’ve had all 3. Here are my pros and cons….

Pros Cons

T5 Great color, low heat, great growth Bulb replacement, mid electric consumption

MH Good color, high heat, great growth Bulb replacement, high electric consumption

LED Good color, low heat, low electric con Not the best coral growth

 

[ca1ore]

Okay so since being in this hobby nobody can seem to give a straightforward answer.

Of course not because everybody has a different set of criteria that will determine best. I've used a bunch of different lights, and I am sure I will use a bunch more before I shuffle off, My overall current favorite is the Radion Pro G4 (otherwise I'd be using something else LOL), though I am thinking about trying the ReeFi to see if I'll like it better.

 

[S2G]

A good T5 fixture is the best beginner light because you just pick bulbs and run it. No room for tinkering yourself into failure. Advanced hobbyists can make anything work and it’s personal preference.

That's something which is really overlooked in equip. Im a tinkerer by nature. I will tinker myself into inconsistency. Lighting, powerheads, dc skimmer, you name it

 

[steallife904]

I run reefbreeder photon v2s and love them. Once you get the schedule down they are great. I have been able to keep and grow whatever I like under them
I would say Ecotec Radions are the best but they are expensive!

 

[SliceGolfer]

Tbh thats what gets so difficult about choosing one for me, but I always really enjoy seeing everyone elses personal tastes to see if anything would match up with what i am trying to achieve.

I’m glad you offered! What are you trying to achieve? Asking everyone for their guidance is like asking for “tools” when you specifically need a 2” hole saw

 

[ThatTennesseeBeardedGuy]

I’m glad you offered! What are you trying to achieve? Asking everyone for their guidance is like asking for “tools” when you specifically need a 2” hole saw

For me a combination of great growth and great colors. Also I would like to find the best bang for my buck.

 

[Tom Blevins]

Photons were a game changer for me from the Hydras 26hd.

 

[BarSnackz]

I seemed to have better luck with t5's with ATI bulbs as far as coral growth goes. But I really enjoy the look of my Kessil's these days. Hopefully on my new tank I can incorporate t5's and led's.