36" 4 bulb T5 or LED over a 40 breeder

[zelie_dad]

I have the opportunity to buy a used ATI 36" T5 fixture. I was also considering a Marsaqua 300 watt led fixture for my first tank. They are the same price ~$200. They guy who has the ATI had it over a 50 breeder, but I'm concerned that I'll have light spilling over the sides of the tank lighting the floor, walls, etc. Is this a valid concern?

Also, I'm only considering the fixture because of the price. The consensus seems to be a 24" 6 bulb over a 40 breeder, but right now that isn't in the cards. My only options are the two I mentioned above.

 

[jdm1114]

IMO go with the ATI

 

[killagoby]

The ATI is an awesome fixture. I've never heard of those LEDs. What are you trying to keep?

 

[R_Mc]

If "shimmer" and power/bulb cost savings are low on your priority list, definitely go with the T5. If Growth and color are lower on your priority list than shimmer / power savings, go with the LED.

If you have $$$ coming out your rear go with a hybrid LED/T5 fixture. I suspect that in the next few years this will become the new standard.

 

[jayball]

I vote for the ATI fixture all the way.

 

[Toby_Kourtney]

+1 for ati

 

[Hentz]

I came FROM an ATI Fixture over my SPS and am now running two Hydra 26 HD's. While I love them to death, a little more than my ATI , I'd say ATI in this case. I've heard of those LED's, not to familiar with them. Only reason why I'd say ATI, in this case. An incredible fixture, that's forsure.

 

[Ou8me2]

If price is the only deciding factor... You do realize you will have to buy bulbs to maintain the T5 fixture. The LED will not need such as most them last 50,000+ hours. Most likely unless these are brand new T5 bulbs you will have to buy 4 new bulbs at 20 each roughly. I usually change mine every 8 months and some people say every 6-9 months.

Now if quality is the most important factor..then the ATI T5 hands down is a great fixture. I still run a couple tanks with T5 and I like them a lot, but I have just bought a new LED for my new 40 breeder.

I think LED is the future and even a combo of T5 and LED maybe also in that future. I can't honestly speak on LED just yet as my tank isn't fully up and running.

One thing I have learned is if I know I'm going to buy a certain light that I know will be the final light. Then I will get that light even if it means it takes a month or two to get it.

Also the Mars Aqua is only $169.99 on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/390885496493?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[zelie_dad]

I think I'm going with the LED option.

 

[killagoby]

I've owned 3 different LED fixtures. The second gen Solaris, the Razor 420, and now an AI Hydra 26 HD. In my experience:

1. LED lights really don't cause the tank to "shimmer". Nothing like MH that is

2. Even though the manufacturers say that the LEDs are good for 50,000 hours this is GREATLY oversttated. The lights might last that long, but from what I've experienced and what others have posted about them (using a PAR meter) their life expectancy for PAR and PUR is closer to two years. The Hydra HD fixtures were measured at 2 years and they had lost 50% of their usable spectrum. The good news is that's about the break even point when it comes to recouping your investment vs. T5 lighting, albeit the ATI T5s are on the more expensive side.

 

[Ou8me2]

2. Even though the manufacturers say that the LEDs are good for 50,000 hours this is GREATLY oversttated. The lights might last that long, but from what I've experienced and what others have posted about them (using a PAR meter) their life expectancy for PAR and PUR is closer to two years. The Hydra HD fixtures were measured at 2 years and they had lost 50% of their usable spectrum. The good news is that's about the break even point when it comes to recouping your investment vs. T5 lighting, albeit the ATI T5s are on the more expensive side.

Well, I learned something new today. This is my first venture into using LED lighting and I figure if I don't like it, then I'm only out of 170 for the Mars Aqua 300 Watt. Obviously I care about quality of lighting more than cost. I ran MH for years and years and spent way too much on bulbs and electricity :lmao: