LED vs T5 for supplemental blue

Paul_PSU · 02/28/2008, 07:32 AM

I currently have 2 X 250w 14k MH on my 75 gal. I was going to add 2 X 48" T5 blues but came across these LED lights at MD:
Current USA PowerBrite LED Lighting System, 4x1W 460nm Blue

I do not have any coral yet as I am converting from a FOWLR to a reef tank. I only have 1 purple tang (sold off all my "non reef" fish). I am having nitrate issues and want to get everything perfect before I purchase corals or other fish/inverts. My question is If I want to be able to keep any kind of coral and I have 500w with the MH is that enough lighting? If that is enough lighting and I just want the actinics for "look" then would 2 of these LED fixtures be ok and give me the same look as the T5 blues.

Thanks for any input!

Paul

saltydragon · 02/28/2008, 12:54 PM

those led will look non existent with the 2x250w...
go with the t5 retrofits...

tankman10000 · 02/28/2008, 01:15 PM

i would go with the t5 lights as well

dave2184 · 02/28/2008, 02:01 PM

Hellolights has the 48" 2 bulb retros for $109 and $10 apiece for the TRU actinic bulbs.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1369

Paul_PSU · 02/28/2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dave2184
Hellolights has the 48" 2 bulb retros for $109 and $10 apiece for the TRU actinic bulbs.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1369

Dave,
You are psychic! I just ordered that exact setup a few minutes ago. I got the true actincs also at the $10 special.

Cost me a total of $137 including shipping. They have great prices. I compared them to other sites and others were ranging from $159 not including shipping to all the way up to $250! I should have them by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Paul

dave2184 · 02/28/2008, 03:10 PM

They are a great company to deal with, I look to them when ever I need anything lighting related.

Paul_PSU · 02/29/2008, 06:34 AM

Wow, even better, my tracking number says they will be here on Monday.

I'll post a couple of before and after pics after I get them installed.

Paul

dsn112 · 02/29/2008, 09:18 AM

Paul, Did you ever think of running something like a helios 20k or a reeflux as one of your MH for actinic support?

I am actually only running 1 mh and my tank looks great. If you have a hood to retro then its easier to do what you are talking about. I don't have one.

By the way
We Are....

Paul_PSU · 02/29/2008, 09:59 AM

Do you mean running a 20k next to a 14k or just switching to 2 20k bulbs? I'm not sure I would like the unbalanced look of running a 14k and 20k side by side. My buddy has 20k on his tank and I like the blue, but it seems less intense. I'll take some pics of my canopy. I have it kinda butchered up right now but it serves its purpose. I am making a cover to go over the reflectors that will have 2 120mm fans blowing out the top. I will have the t5's Monday so hopefully by the end of next week I will have them installed. I am going to put one on the front end of the lid and one on the back.

oops almost forgot ...PENN STATE!

Paul

02/28/2008, 07:32 AM	#1
Paul_PSU Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA. Posts: 1,512	LED vs T5 for supplemental blue I currently have 2 X 250w 14k MH on my 75 gal. I was going to add 2 X 48" T5 blues but came across these LED lights at MD: Current USA PowerBrite LED Lighting System, 4x1W 460nm Blue I do not have any coral yet as I am converting from a FOWLR to a reef tank. I only have 1 purple tang (sold off all my "non reef" fish). I am having nitrate issues and want to get everything perfect before I purchase corals or other fish/inverts. My question is If I want to be able to keep any kind of coral and I have 500w with the MH is that enough lighting? If that is enough lighting and I just want the actinics for "look" then would 2 of these LED fixtures be ok and give me the same look as the T5 blues. Thanks for any input! Paul

02/28/2008, 02:01 PM	#4
dave2184 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Girard, Oh. Posts: 2,549	Hellolights has the 48" 2 bulb retros for $109 and $10 apiece for the TRU actinic bulbs. http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1369 __________________ -Dave- "Oh ya - I missed one important point. There are other ways to deal with phosphates like phosphate sponges, but it's kind of like trying to fan the stink off a dead skunk." -looser

02/28/2008, 03:10 PM	#6
dave2184 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Girard, Oh. Posts: 2,549	They are a great company to deal with, I look to them when ever I need anything lighting related. __________________ -Dave- "Oh ya - I missed one important point. There are other ways to deal with phosphates like phosphate sponges, but it's kind of like trying to fan the stink off a dead skunk." -looser

02/29/2008, 09:18 AM	#8
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	Paul, Did you ever think of running something like a helios 20k or a reeflux as one of your MH for actinic support? I am actually only running 1 mh and my tank looks great. If you have a hood to retro then its easier to do what you are talking about. I don't have one. By the way We Are.... __________________ I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!! Current Tank Info: Fluval Edge w LED freshwater. Looking at doing a 20-40g long penninsula fowlr soon

02/28/2008, 12:54 PM	#2
saltydragon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Westbury L.i Posts: 402	those led will look non existent with the 2x250w... go with the t5 retrofits...

02/28/2008, 01:15 PM	#3
tankman10000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: lyles,tn Posts: 50	i would go with the t5 lights as well

02/29/2008, 06:34 AM	#7
Paul_PSU Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA. Posts: 1,512	Wow, even better, my tracking number says they will be here on Monday. I'll post a couple of before and after pics after I get them installed. Paul

02/29/2008, 09:59 AM	#9
Paul_PSU Moved On Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA. Posts: 1,512	Do you mean running a 20k next to a 14k or just switching to 2 20k bulbs? I'm not sure I would like the unbalanced look of running a 14k and 20k side by side. My buddy has 20k on his tank and I like the blue, but it seems less intense. I'll take some pics of my canopy. I have it kinda butchered up right now but it serves its purpose. I am making a cover to go over the reflectors that will have 2 120mm fans blowing out the top. I will have the t5's Monday so hopefully by the end of next week I will have them installed. I am going to put one on the front end of the lid and one on the back. oops almost forgot ...PENN STATE! Paul