Equivalent of led vs. t5 and vice versa. Light gurus pls help

[dnguyen1]

I don't have a par meter but am curious if maybe I can get some insight from you all regarding strengths of t5 versus led

I watched a few brs videos and it appears led at center of tank is stronger at let's say 8 inches above water. I know there's the whole spread and hot spots situations but on the whole can it be said that led cluster like an 360 kessil, Hydra or radion are about 100 more par than t5?

I get so confused some times but was hoping somebody with a par meter can chime in their expeience

Thanks

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[mcgyvr]

In general.........Most led fixtures when cranked up are typically equal to or often greater than a t5 fixture as far as par is concerned...

 

[hkgar]

IMHO, as someone who has tried LED and now uses T5 + MH (except in the summer when I go all T5) LED is rather focused and not spread. Reflectors help T5 and MH spread the light and par.

I to have to state that my experience was several years ago and I believe LED's have make significant advances since then.

 

[ycnibrc]

Best light to imitate T5 is orphek v4 even spread and no hot spots


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[hkgar]

Best light to imitate T5 is orphek v4 even spread and no hot spots


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Pretty expensive. if you ask me.

 

[Oldreeferman]

Yep,
I had looked into the LED fad 2 yrs. ago & all the ones even today that match or outdo T5HOs are very expensive, sure they are adjustable & low heat granted.
But my 2 dual bulb 25w T5HOs were only $48 a pc. & i got all my bulbs in quantity at 1/2 price so im set for 6 yrs. now on replacements & man do the corals love them. I run Violet & blue 14,0000k ea.
I have a friend who is running a Chinese black box $200 LED & his corals look like crap & aren't growing well. Too much blue & not enough white but seems everyone has this mindset that what looks good to them must be good for the reef, nope..........& no he won't listen to me about his settings ( his wife actually demands the blue all the time), i think he would have been better off with non adjustable lighting so he can't flub up the par as many do.
Im still waiting to see LEDs come down to a reasonable price & not cost as much as the entire aquarium setup, rediculess............Until then im very content to stick with T5s anyday a no non sense setup that requires no adjusting i just can'tt do dawn & dusk but my tank is ok with that.