T5HO 6 Bulbs or LEDs

sarrabie54 · 05/02/2012, 07:31 PM

I am going to keep 2 anemones in my 60 gallon tank which is 48 x 15 x 16 tall.
I don't want to use halides. Would it be better to use a 6 bulb fixture of the highest quality or to use LEDs? I am leaning toward T5's since LEDs are so new and most have not had any real long experiences with them yet.

James77 · 05/02/2012, 08:22 PM

T5s are surely proven, just get quality equipment and be sure it has individual reflectors and active (fans) cooling. 4 bulbs would be enough for a 15" wide tank, you will get wasted light and light spill otherwise.

Why no halides BTW? You can get some great deals as everyone jumps to LEDs...

cfredallen · 05/02/2012, 08:45 PM

Either will work fine. LED is higher cost up front but lower electric cost and no bulb replacement costs. T5 will be cheaper up front but bulbs every 6-9 months runs up a big bill fast. Not to mention need double the wattage of T5 to do the same thing so monthly electric is higher with T5.

I am currently running VHO and switching to LED before I have to replace the bulbs again.

05/02/2012, 07:31 PM	#1
sarrabie54 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 7	T5HO 6 Bulbs or LEDs I am going to keep 2 anemones in my 60 gallon tank which is 48 x 15 x 16 tall. I don't want to use halides. Would it be better to use a 6 bulb fixture of the highest quality or to use LEDs? I am leaning toward T5's since LEDs are so new and most have not had any real long experiences with them yet.

05/02/2012, 08:22 PM	#2
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	T5s are surely proven, just get quality equipment and be sure it has individual reflectors and active (fans) cooling. 4 bulbs would be enough for a 15" wide tank, you will get wasted light and light spill otherwise. Why no halides BTW? You can get some great deals as everyone jumps to LEDs... __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

05/02/2012, 08:45 PM	#3
cfredallen Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Clearwater, Fl Posts: 274	Either will work fine. LED is higher cost up front but lower electric cost and no bulb replacement costs. T5 will be cheaper up front but bulbs every 6-9 months runs up a big bill fast. Not to mention need double the wattage of T5 to do the same thing so monthly electric is higher with T5. I am currently running VHO and switching to LED before I have to replace the bulbs again.