Thinkin about LEDs or should I stay with t5s

[jrok3401]

Originally Posted by atreis

Just a warning: Changing from one type of lighting to another (e.g. even dispersion fluorescent - T5 to point-source bulbs - LED or MH) is going to change the overall light distribution received by individual animals, and will likely result in some areas thriving while others recede. It's a big change and will cause stress, even if you're careful about acclimation - you could get some die off, even if the lighting itself is essentially fine.

I agree. The tank is currently in build phase(should have said that initially) so at this point no livestock.

[jrok3401]

The t5 fixture I have is from a tank I used to have

[davocean]

I'm pretty happy w/ both, my ATI sunpower and Ecoxotics LED strips on my tank right now.
If I bought new I would get that ATI hybrid.

[grigsy]

Originally Posted by oquockyo

stick with t5. Leds are not there yet . I had several brands including radions n all just didnt get the job done till i went back to halides.

+1

[jrok3401]

Originally Posted by davocean

I'm pretty happy w/ both, my ATI sunpower and Ecoxotics LED strips on my tank right now.
If I bought new I would get that ATI hybrid.

Did you mount the LEDs in the fixture?

[Psionicdragon]

i am thinking about going T5s...i get great growth for the vegas/kessil combo..but color is so blah.

[robert s b.]

Originally Posted by Finland

Water quality and light acclimation are key w/sps.

I have traded in my MH for 5 Kessil A360w's, and have been very happy with the results. But I do supplement my Kessils with a 4 bulb ATI Powermodule that I run 4 hours per day from 5pm-9pm. With my chiller of line, no MH bulbs to buy and less power consumption. I will not be turning back. Water quality and husbandry is what I think is most important.

[davocean]

Originally Posted by jrok3401

Did you mount the LEDs in the fixture?

No I have an open top canopy and they sit on a couple cleats, but there are many ways to do it.
I like these strip lights for supplemental lighting, very well sealed(supposedly you can drop them in water and have no issues) and they come w/ a controller that makes a nice ramp up/cool down, or adjust color/intensity.

[jrok3401]

Oh ok those type of strips. I'm liking that idea. Kinda seems to give you the best if both worlds!!

[jrok3401]

I'm seeing that there are those that love LEDs a lot and swear by them, then those that dislike LEDs and stick with what has been tried and true, and then those that have found a happy medium with both t5's and LEDs by mixing the two. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with the t5's and use led strip lighting for supplementing...I think. Lol

[davocean]

Originally Posted by jrok3401

Oh ok those type of strips. I'm liking that idea. Kinda seems to give you the best if both worlds!!

I would not run these alone on my fairly light needy tank/corals, but they do make all the difference.
I love the color and growth of my T5's, but it's flat w/out some kind of shimmer, these do give shimmer, not MH shimmer, but enough.
LEDs are great, but the ones that really throw what we need are either quite expensive, or spotlight, at this time anyway.

[jrok3401]

Why would you chose the ATI's over the ecoxotics? Just curious

[atreis]

Originally Posted by jrok3401

I agree. The tank is currently in build phase(should have said that initially) so at this point no livestock.

In that case, it's a great time to get the lighting you'll be happy with for some years to come. (IMO, LEDs. )

[davocean]

Originally Posted by jrok3401

Why would you chose the ATI's over the ecoxotics? Just curious

Well, I chose both, pretty much for the same reason ATI makes a hybrid and for similar benefits.

[jrok3401]

Originally Posted by davocean

Well, I chose both, pretty much for the same reason ATI makes a hybrid and for similar benefits.

Ok gotcha!

[davocean]

Originally Posted by jrok3401

Ok gotcha!

Lol, I'm not one to debate what is best, or sell you on anything, or get too elaborate on details, especially on a topic that is so often debated.
I know the PAR on my LEDs do drop at depth, and I keep sand dwelling sea anemone's and such that are very light needy, so T5's cover that for me.
I tread lightly on the LED subject, I just show what I do, what I use, what my tank looks like, pics, and you can make your own decision on what works for you, and we will mostly have varied needs depending on our setups and what we intend to keep.

[jrok3401]

I agree. I appreciate your insight.