Switching from LED to T5 HO Questions?

gb530 · 04/20/2014, 03:38 PM

I have had Kessils on my tank since day one (1.5 yrs ago) and this is my first reef tank, so my experience with other lights is zero! I just recently started thinking about switching over to a full T5 setup. Now, let me just say that I love my Kessils, everything is happy and I would definitely recommend them. However, I want to make the switch to see if I get better growth, polyp extension, color, and overall health... especially from my pickier SPS acros. I have been following some interesting threads on this topic and they are sparking my interest to switch.

I have a standard 90 (48 x 18 x 24) gallon tank currently with two Kessil A250w's. If I were to make the switch to T5's, I am interested in the 48" ATI SunPower High Output T5 Light Fixture 8 x 54W (Dimensions are 47" x 17.5" x 2.1")

I have a few questions below in regards to the switch and would greatly appreciate any advice from more experienced hobbyists than myself.

- Is the 8 T5 bulb fixture too much for my tank size?
- Do you think I will need a chiller for the T5's?
- Lastly, should I just make the ultimate switch with a MH/T5 combo? The reason why I want to go with just T5's is because I don't want to deal with the heat of the MH bulbs and ballast!

Aaaron · 04/20/2014, 03:40 PM

I made the switch to LED's and wish I really didn't. Get an 8 ATI from what I hear they are an awesome T5 unit.

millionmanus · 04/20/2014, 04:57 PM

I switched back from LED to t-5 months ago. I also have a standard 90 gallon. I went with a 6 bulb ati sun power. And it grows my sps and LPs great.

gb530 · 04/20/2014, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millionmanus

I switched back from LED to t-5 months ago. I also have a standard 90 gallon. I went with a 6 bulb ati sun power. And it grows my sps and LPs great.

Can you post of picture of your tank?

gb530 · 04/20/2014, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaaron

I made the switch to LED's and wish I really didn't. Get an 8 ATI from what I hear they are an awesome T5 unit.

I really want to get the 8 bulb but am worried about spillover light....

rtague · 04/20/2014, 05:51 PM

No need for 8 tubes on an 18'' tank.The ati sun power 6 bulb will be perfect,get yourself the dimmable version.

gb530 · 04/20/2014, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtague

No need for 8 tubes on an 18'' tank.The ati sun power 6 bulb will be perfect,get yourself the dimmable version.

After reading more on it, I agree with you. The 6 bulb will do the job.

gb530 · 04/20/2014, 11:37 PM

Anyone else have advice on this possible switch from Kessils to T5s?

redwhiteandblue · 04/21/2014, 05:31 AM

6 bulb is all that is necessary. i ran a 6x80 on a 6x2x2 and had a hard time finding a low light spot for some chalices. i run t5 and led now, but when i first added the t5 i had to move some things around because they started getting fried. with any light change, do a slow acclimation. t5 will light up the shadows where the leds dont hit, so take it slow.

FWIW, since you like your kessils, have you considered just t5 supplement? i couldnt go back to all t5, i liked many aspects of the leds and couldnt part with the ramping/shimmer/ some colors

Orion120 · 04/21/2014, 06:39 AM

I just made the switch from LED to T5 a couple of weeks ago. In order to help acclimate the corals I put two layers of window screen over the top of the tank. I forget the percentage of PAR that a layer of window screen reduces, but it is a good amount. Start off with two layers like I did, and remove one every two weeks. Keep checking on the corals to see how they react each time you remove a layer, and go from there.
If you are still really concerned you can always start the fixture 9-10" above the water line as well, and slowly work it down to 7-8" over the next couple of months.

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwhiteandblue

6 bulb is all that is necessary. i ran a 6x80 on a 6x2x2 and had a hard time finding a low light spot for some chalices. i run t5 and led now, but when i first added the t5 i had to move some things around because they started getting fried. with any light change, do a slow acclimation. t5 will light up the shadows where the leds dont hit, so take it slow.

FWIW, since you like your kessils, have you considered just t5 supplement? i couldnt go back to all t5, i liked many aspects of the leds and couldnt part with the ramping/shimmer/ some colors

How do you have your LED/T5 setup? Is it DIY or a fixture?

I have considered t5 supplement, however, I don't want to compromise style. I have not figured out a good way to add t5 supplements without losing style. One fixture that I like is the ATI led powermodule but that unit is a little out of my price range.

The only thing that is not making me pull the trigger right away with the T5s the lack of shimmer/ flat look. Any suggestions on a unit?

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion120

I just made the switch from LED to T5 a couple of weeks ago. In order to help acclimate the corals I put two layers of window screen over the top of the tank. I forget the percentage of PAR that a layer of window screen reduces, but it is a good amount. Start off with two layers like I did, and remove one every two weeks. Keep checking on the corals to see how they react each time you remove a layer, and go from there.
If you are still really concerned you can always start the fixture 9-10" above the water line as well, and slowly work it down to 7-8" over the next couple of months.

Thanks for the advice!

... How are you liking the T5s? How are your corals responding now thats it been a couple weeks? Anything you miss about the LEDs?

McPuff · 04/21/2014, 11:39 AM

Maybe just add a single or duo T5 first and see how it goes. It will add coverage and fill in the spectrum (depending on the bulb you select) without requiring a wholesale change. See how it goes from there.

Orion120 · 04/21/2014, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gb530

Thanks for the advice!

... How are you liking the T5s? How are your corals responding now thats it been a couple weeks? Anything you miss about the LEDs?

Liking them a lot. I went with an ATI Sunpower 6 x 39w over a 36 x 18 x 21 tank and couldn't be happier. It has only been two weeks, but I have a few montis that have really colored up and started to spread out. Might be the lights, or it might not be. Way too early to tell, but I will tell you this - they didn't start to spread out until I put the T5s up. They were under LEDs for 6 months and never moved.
All of the other SPS are fine so far with one layer of window screen over the top. No bleaching, or retracted polyps from any LPS.

There is a certain "pop" of color that only LEDs can reproduce on the corals. That's about the only thing I miss. I may add a Reefbrite strip down the road, but even then I would probably only run it to show the tank off.

I can could care less about shimmer...

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion120

Liking them a lot. I went with an ATI Sunpower 6 x 39w over a 36 x 18 x 21 tank and couldn't be happier. It has only been two weeks, but I have a few montis that have really colored up and started to spread out. Might be the lights, or it might not be. Way too early to tell, but I will tell you this - they didn't start to spread out until I put the T5s up. They were under LEDs for 6 months and never moved.
All of the other SPS are fine so far with one layer of window screen over the top. No bleaching, or retracted polyps from any LPS.

There is a certain "pop" of color that only LEDs can reproduce on the corals. That's about the only thing I miss. I may add a Reefbrite strip down the road, but even then I would probably only run it to show the tank off.

I can could care less about shimmer...

That's great to hear and others are saying the same thing about switching over from LEDs!

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion120

There is a certain "pop" of color that only LEDs can reproduce on the corals. That's about the only thing I miss. I may add a Reefbrite strip down the road, but even then I would probably only run it to show the tank off.

Have you ever thought about replacing one of your T5 bulbs with an LED tube?.... I think you have to retro it somehow though. Haven't done much research about it.

d2mini · 04/21/2014, 01:30 PM

MH/T5 should be no problem if you don't have a canopy.
My open top 36" cube with one 250w HQI MH and four 24" T5 bulbs always needed a heater. Our house has central AC so summer was no different than winter.

With just T5, you might miss the shimmer you have with the kessil.

Keoki18 · 04/21/2014, 01:42 PM

Everyone is giving good advice on the T5's. I would transfer over to either full T5, or do a slight mix with LED. LEDs were just too powerful and had high peaks with very limited nm wavlengths.

Anyways, you should not need a chiller if you dont have a canopy and if the lights sit atleast 4in off your surface.

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

MH/T5 should be no problem if you don't have a canopy.
My open top 36" cube with one 250w HQI MH and four 24" T5 bulbs always needed a heater. Our house has central AC so summer was no different than winter.

With just T5, you might miss the shimmer you have with the kessil.

We have central AC and it is an open top. Switching over to new lights is not an easy decision as there are so many option. I've got a lot to think about, haha

Thanks!

redwhiteandblue · 04/21/2014, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gb530

How do you have your LED/T5 setup? Is it DIY or a fixture?

I have considered t5 supplement, however, I don't want to compromise style. I have not figured out a good way to add t5 supplements without losing style. One fixture that I like is the ATI led powermodule but that unit is a little out of my price range.

The only thing that is not making me pull the trigger right away with the T5s the lack of shimmer/ flat look. Any suggestions on a unit?

i used the 4 bulb retrofit from reef geek. its not pretty but its in a canopy. i have not seen a diy hybrid that looks good or has style. id recommend it but if you want good looks, u might be paying some monies for an all in one fixture.

KCombs · 04/21/2014, 10:06 PM

Funny I just went the other way (TEK T5 to Kessil)...
anyway, we had both a 4 bulb ATI and a 6 bulb Tek over a 90G and we grew whatever corals we wanted: Derasa clams at max depth, maxima almost 2/3 down from the top

...growth was darn fast too...the T5 thread has some sweet bulb combos...

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwhiteandblue

i used the 4 bulb retrofit from reef geek. its not pretty but its in a canopy. i have not seen a diy hybrid that looks good or has style. id recommend it but if you want good looks, u might be paying some monies for an all in one fixture.

Yep, the ATI fixture is almost $2k!

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 10:29 PM

What do you guys think about the T5 combos below? I really love the color of the kessils, both white and blue at 100%. I want to try and mimic that look but am willing to compromise a little blue for growth.

Layout Pick #1
ATI Blue Plus (front)
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Blue Plus (back)

Layout Pick #2
ATI Blue Plus (front)
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus (back)

Just brainstorming here...

gb530 · 04/21/2014, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCombs

Funny I just went the other way (TEK T5 to Kessil)...
anyway, we had both a 4 bulb ATI and a 6 bulb Tek over a 90G and we grew whatever corals we wanted: Derasa clams at max depth, maxima almost 2/3 down from the top

...growth was darn fast too...the T5 thread has some sweet bulb combos...

How long have you had the new Kessils on your tank? Are you happy? Any angry corals?

... They are really great lights. IMO, I have seen many tanks with multiple types of LEDs and none come close to matching the same look

Orion120 · 04/22/2014, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gb530

What do you guys think about the T5 combos below? I really love the color of the kessils, both white and blue at 100%. I want to try and mimic that look but am willing to compromise a little blue for growth.

Layout Pick #1
ATI Blue Plus (front)
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Blue Plus (back)

Layout Pick #2
ATI Blue Plus (front)
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue Plus (back)

Just brainstorming here...

Your first pick will look good. Remember sockets 2 & 5 will be controlled on one outlet, and Sockets 1, 3 and 4 will be controlled on another. Generally you'll run 2 bulbs for 10-12 hours a day, and then your day time bulbs for 6-8 hours a day in-between. Your second layout will be very white, especially with an Aquablue Special.

The blue plus bulbs are going to give you the most PAR and growth for your coral so I would start off with as many blue plus bulbs as your eyes can stand, and fill in the rest of the sockets with a full spectrum(coral plus) and purple plus bulbs.

My tank has the following -

Front to back for 6 bulbs:
Blue+
Blue+
Purple+
Coral+
Blue+
Blue+

Also remember to give your eyes some time to adjust to the look once you pick a layout, at least a week, before changing the layout again. When I first lit my tank up I thought it was way too blue for my liking, but after a week it looked perfect to me. Your eyes will have a big adjustment period after looking at your tank under the Kessil.

04/20/2014, 11:37 PM	#8
gb530 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northern California Posts: 492	Anyone else have advice on this possible switch from Kessils to T5s? __________________ 90g SPS Dominant, ATI 6x54w T5HO + Reef Brite LED blue strip, Reef Octopus XS-160 Skimmer, DIY algae scrubber, and other cool stuff

04/21/2014, 05:31 AM	#9
redwhiteandblue Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 259	6 bulb is all that is necessary. i ran a 6x80 on a 6x2x2 and had a hard time finding a low light spot for some chalices. i run t5 and led now, but when i first added the t5 i had to move some things around because they started getting fried. with any light change, do a slow acclimation. t5 will light up the shadows where the leds dont hit, so take it slow. FWIW, since you like your kessils, have you considered just t5 supplement? i couldnt go back to all t5, i liked many aspects of the leds and couldnt part with the ramping/shimmer/ some colors __________________ 180 mixed reef since 2011....work in progress 55 in wall Fowlr

04/21/2014, 01:30 PM	#17
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	MH/T5 should be no problem if you don't have a canopy. My open top 36" cube with one 250w HQI MH and four 24" T5 bulbs always needed a heater. Our house has central AC so summer was no different than winter. With just T5, you might miss the shimmer you have with the kessil. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

04/21/2014, 01:42 PM	#18
Keoki18 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Plainfield IL Posts: 314	Everyone is giving good advice on the T5's. I would transfer over to either full T5, or do a slight mix with LED. LEDs were just too powerful and had high peaks with very limited nm wavlengths. Anyways, you should not need a chiller if you dont have a canopy and if the lights sit atleast 4in off your surface. __________________ There are no such things as pest hitchhikers, you just haven't found a good home for them yet.

04/21/2014, 10:06 PM	#21
KCombs They Call me "RifRaf" Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: with Poly Pure Bred Posts: 547	Funny I just went the other way (TEK T5 to Kessil)... anyway, we had both a 4 bulb ATI and a 6 bulb Tek over a 90G and we grew whatever corals we wanted: Derasa clams at max depth, maxima almost 2/3 down from the top ...growth was darn fast too...the T5 thread has some sweet bulb combos... __________________ I'm no "Expert", I'm just someone who has failed more than you have The beatings will continue until moral improves Current Tank Info: 90G reef, 150G FOWLR

04/20/2014, 03:38 PM	#1
gb530 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northern California Posts: 492	Switching from LED to T5 HO Questions? I have had Kessils on my tank since day one (1.5 yrs ago) and this is my first reef tank, so my experience with other lights is zero! I just recently started thinking about switching over to a full T5 setup. Now, let me just say that I love my Kessils, everything is happy and I would definitely recommend them. However, I want to make the switch to see if I get better growth, polyp extension, color, and overall health... especially from my pickier SPS acros. I have been following some interesting threads on this topic and they are sparking my interest to switch. I have a standard 90 (48 x 18 x 24) gallon tank currently with two Kessil A250w's. If I were to make the switch to T5's, I am interested in the 48" ATI SunPower High Output T5 Light Fixture 8 x 54W (Dimensions are 47" x 17.5" x 2.1") I have a few questions below in regards to the switch and would greatly appreciate any advice from more experienced hobbyists than myself. - Is the 8 T5 bulb fixture too much for my tank size? - Do you think I will need a chiller for the T5's? - Lastly, should I just make the ultimate switch with a MH/T5 combo? The reason why I want to go with just T5's is because I don't want to deal with the heat of the MH bulbs and ballast! __________________ 90g SPS Dominant, ATI 6x54w T5HO + Reef Brite LED blue strip, Reef Octopus XS-160 Skimmer, DIY algae scrubber, and other cool stuff

04/20/2014, 03:40 PM	#2
Aaaron Moved On Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 245	I made the switch to LED's and wish I really didn't. Get an 8 ATI from what I hear they are an awesome T5 unit.

04/20/2014, 04:57 PM	#3
millionmanus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 97	I switched back from LED to t-5 months ago. I also have a standard 90 gallon. I went with a 6 bulb ati sun power. And it grows my sps and LPs great.

04/20/2014, 05:51 PM	#6
rtague Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 376	No need for 8 tubes on an 18'' tank.The ati sun power 6 bulb will be perfect,get yourself the dimmable version.

04/21/2014, 06:39 AM	#10
Orion120 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 80	I just made the switch from LED to T5 a couple of weeks ago. In order to help acclimate the corals I put two layers of window screen over the top of the tank. I forget the percentage of PAR that a layer of window screen reduces, but it is a good amount. Start off with two layers like I did, and remove one every two weeks. Keep checking on the corals to see how they react each time you remove a layer, and go from there. If you are still really concerned you can always start the fixture 9-10" above the water line as well, and slowly work it down to 7-8" over the next couple of months.

04/21/2014, 11:39 AM	#13
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	Maybe just add a single or duo T5 first and see how it goes. It will add coverage and fill in the spectrum (depending on the bulb you select) without requiring a wholesale change. See how it goes from there.

04/21/2014, 10:29 PM	#23
gb530 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northern California Posts: 492	What do you guys think about the T5 combos below? I really love the color of the kessils, both white and blue at 100%. I want to try and mimic that look but am willing to compromise a little blue for growth. Layout Pick #1 ATI Blue Plus (front) ATI Purple Plus ATI Coral Plus ATI Blue Plus ATI Coral Plus ATI Blue Plus (back) Layout Pick #2 ATI Blue Plus (front) ATI Coral Plus ATI Purple Plus ATI Coral Plus ATI Aquablue Special ATI Blue Plus (back) Just brainstorming here... __________________ 90g SPS Dominant, ATI 6x54w T5HO + Reef Brite LED blue strip, Reef Octopus XS-160 Skimmer, DIY algae scrubber, and other cool stuff