T5 lighting vs. LED

Wolverinegreg · 06/04/2009, 10:07 AM

Hi,

I know the question is still an ongoing (hot) debate!
I am officially assembling my 65g saltwater now. The ultimate issue I've been struggling has been lighting. I'd like to keep BTA and corals, and due to the configuration of my in-wall aquarium I'd like to stay away for MH (too hot). Until recently I was sold to the Aquaillumination LED system, but when revising my budget, it appears the 1879 USD pricetag is a bit high.
Would a more simple option such as a 36" 4XT5 (2 actinics, 2 white) be enough for the BTA (I mean: really!?). From what I saw online the cost of the T5 is not that high, and the power consumption is failry similar to the LED, so it will take a long time to equalize (costs speaking).
Would I limit myself too much with T5, or would it be a decent start, even if I then decide to updgrade in 2-3y?

Michael · 06/04/2009, 10:31 AM

well ive got both, have a click on my red house for a spec and photos, personally i think of leds as supplementry lighting and not main stream, i love leds and think they will one day be the future, but to answer your question i suggest you go for t5s and maybe a led unit for the actinic part of the lighting. the blue leds are better than actinics imo but t5s are definately ahead at the mo for the main tank lights, on your 65 a nice t5 unit will be perfect.

thegrun · 06/04/2009, 10:39 AM

I think the LED light is the light of the future, but there they do not yet have a proven track record, so I would go T5 for now. I would try to get 6 T5's if possible (4 14K white, 2 Actinic). Anemones require a lot of light and I don't believe you will get enough with just 2 white T5 bulbs.

username in use · 06/04/2009, 10:40 AM

I agree with t5's being the better choice. But you may want to look into a 6 bulb fixture, it'll give you a little more light, and allow you to make some different color combos, to tailor your light spectrum.

Mrs. Suzy Smith · 06/04/2009, 08:01 PM

Is there any reference to anybody who is using T-5 and growing SPS successfully?

swjim · 06/04/2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mrs. Suzy Smith
Is there any reference to anybody who is using T-5 and growing SPS successfully?

There are many nice SPS tanks running T5s, including some tank of the months that run T5s for SPS. Here's one: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-07/totm/index.php

nikon187 · 06/04/2009, 09:21 PM

People in Europe and here have been using only T5 for SPS for over 5 years with great sucess

Michael · 06/05/2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mrs. Suzy Smith
Is there any reference to anybody who is using T-5 and growing SPS successfully?

thousands of reefers use t5s and get coral growth with sps, me included, i cant list all the members here who do so, but its probably 10s of thousands

Wolverinegreg · 06/05/2009, 09:47 AM

Thanks guy!

So I am following you, I would be better with this:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...6t56x39w10k460

Than this:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...putt5fixture36

eyesinthedrk · 06/05/2009, 09:59 AM

i am running 8ea 4' 54 watt t-5s i placed my green bta on top of the rocks, he crawled down behind them and appeared at the sand bed, and has stayed there ever since, about 2-3 months,

this is in a 5' 90 gal tank about 18" deep, and hes to the far side where the fixture stops about 6 inches short

for what ever thats worth

06/04/2009, 10:07 AM	#1
Wolverinegreg Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 29	T5 lighting vs. LED Hi, I know the question is still an ongoing (hot) debate! I am officially assembling my 65g saltwater now. The ultimate issue I've been struggling has been lighting. I'd like to keep BTA and corals, and due to the configuration of my in-wall aquarium I'd like to stay away for MH (too hot). Until recently I was sold to the Aquaillumination LED system, but when revising my budget, it appears the 1879 USD pricetag is a bit high. Would a more simple option such as a 36" 4XT5 (2 actinics, 2 white) be enough for the BTA (I mean: really!?). From what I saw online the cost of the T5 is not that high, and the power consumption is failry similar to the LED, so it will take a long time to equalize (costs speaking). Would I limit myself too much with T5, or would it be a decent start, even if I then decide to updgrade in 2-3y?

06/04/2009, 10:31 AM	#2
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	well ive got both, have a click on my red house for a spec and photos, personally i think of leds as supplementry lighting and not main stream, i love leds and think they will one day be the future, but to answer your question i suggest you go for t5s and maybe a led unit for the actinic part of the lighting. the blue leds are better than actinics imo but t5s are definately ahead at the mo for the main tank lights, on your 65 a nice t5 unit will be perfect. __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

06/04/2009, 10:40 AM	#4
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	I agree with t5's being the better choice. But you may want to look into a 6 bulb fixture, it'll give you a little more light, and allow you to make some different color combos, to tailor your light spectrum. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

06/04/2009, 09:21 PM	#7
nikon187 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 4,717	People in Europe and here have been using only T5 for SPS for over 5 years with great sucess __________________ ----------------- Current Tanks: New 210 custom 84 x 24 x 24, 60g sump, SWC 250 extreme with bubble blaster 5000, 2 vortech mp40, 2 vortech mp10, 12 T5, Water blaster 5000, warner marine bio pellets, 60g clownfish cube, red carpet anemone with a 25g sump,SRO octopus 1000sss, 250w radium, lumenarc large.

06/05/2009, 09:59 AM	#10
eyesinthedrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 675	i am running 8ea 4' 54 watt t-5s i placed my green bta on top of the rocks, he crawled down behind them and appeared at the sand bed, and has stayed there ever since, about 2-3 months, this is in a 5' 90 gal tank about 18" deep, and hes to the far side where the fixture stops about 6 inches short for what ever thats worth __________________ Everybody knows you never go full retard. Current Tank Info: SPS dominated, 125 gallon dt with 3 Apollo reef LED pendants, Apex Controler. 100 gal basement sump, 100 gallon basement fuge, euro reef skimmer, reef octopu s cr140 calcium reactor. Phos an reactor.

06/04/2009, 10:39 AM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I think the LED light is the light of the future, but there they do not yet have a proven track record, so I would go T5 for now. I would try to get 6 T5's if possible (4 14K white, 2 Actinic). Anemones require a lot of light and I don't believe you will get enough with just 2 white T5 bulbs.

06/04/2009, 08:01 PM	#5
Mrs. Suzy Smith Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 55	Is there any reference to anybody who is using T-5 and growing SPS successfully?

06/05/2009, 09:47 AM	#9
Wolverinegreg Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 29	Thanks guy! So I am following you, I would be better with this: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...6t56x39w10k460 Than this: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...putt5fixture36