So I have a 36x36x24 cube. Current I have it lit with a 250 watt Cozumel reflector with a Radium. I want to add some supplement lighting for dusk to dawn effect as well as for more par on the sand bed. Should I get 2 reef brite blues to go around the fixture or should I go with T5s around the fixture?
Help me choose-reef brites or T5s
- Thread starter Red_Ant
- Start date
Well, if it were me I would go with T5 HO's. Although for supplements I hear nothing beats VHO's for super actinics, however the market seems to be shrinking with VHO's. I guess it also depends on the height of the fixture. One thing I love about MH w/ T5 combos is the single light source with a suppliment light that has great spread. It just looks so much more natural. But if the fixture is high enough then you can avoid the "bling bling" shimmer of LED's. I actually went from LED's to MH's and soon will be adding a T5 HO to supplement. As a final curve ball, here is a vid of a ReefBrite MH with LED supplements and holy cow that looks awesome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6nqhkWTGM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6nqhkWTGM
Have you look at the Hamilton Technology Aruba Sun V?, this is what Im going with for supplement. Its 2 bulb with LED's. The LED's are weak and made for moon lighting, but its nice combo to get both. I'm mounting a 48" in front of my MH lights and pointing it downward with a slight angle to aim the reflectors to the center and at the rock work. And 2 T5's should be plenty to supplement your tank size
Aruba suns look great, but how would I mount them to the reflector? Also if I go with T5s, how many should I get. My rock work is like a laggoon. Basically backwards "U" shaped. I was thinking maybe 1 24" T5 on the left side, right side and back side of the reflector as that would place the T5s directly above the rock layout. What do think of that option? I would still need to figure out how to mount the retro T5s to the reflector.
A. Grandis
Active member
I don't know how you're going to do, but I agree that Metal Halides/T5s are just great!
Many people are going back to MHs and/or T5s from LEDs. You're not alone!!
When you get your T5s you should consider ATI Blue Plus bulbs instead blue actinic bulbs. Blue Plus has more PAR and looks very similar to any actinic I've tried. Another good bulb is the Giesemann Actinic Plus, but less PAR than the ATI Blue Plus.
Good luck!
Hey, Vpaul79, that tank looks very nice with a great coralline growth!!
That fixture is so nice!!!
Do they have that with T5 supplement, on the sides?
Grandis.
Many people are going back to MHs and/or T5s from LEDs. You're not alone!!
When you get your T5s you should consider ATI Blue Plus bulbs instead blue actinic bulbs. Blue Plus has more PAR and looks very similar to any actinic I've tried. Another good bulb is the Giesemann Actinic Plus, but less PAR than the ATI Blue Plus.
Good luck!
Hey, Vpaul79, that tank looks very nice with a great coralline growth!!
That fixture is so nice!!!
Do they have that with T5 supplement, on the sides?
Grandis.
wildman926
Active member
Many people blame the lights. Here is a shot from a thread here where these SPS have only seen LED lights since they were frags.
I am pretty happy with where this wound up. These colors were made with the LED's. My halides have been gone for well over a year. Most of these have grown from frags that have only known LED light. If you have been growing SPS under LED's please tag along and throw up some pictures. I am curious to see how your colors look. I know my color pop is much better than what I had with my halides. I have added a bunch more frags in the last month or so. I cant wait to see where the whole tank will be in the next year.
wildman926
Active member
Yes I do see tank of the month using LED's. Maybe not soley. I don't believe everyone strives to be TOM. There are many issues that play in coral coloration, not just lights.
X2. I have seen more coloration form since using these fixtures than when I was using a competitor's blue/white only led's and T5 ho fixtures with ATI bulbs.
A. Grandis
Active member
Coral Plus is a good bulb. I've got 2 in one of my systems today and can't complain. I kinda prefer the KZ new generation. I don't care much for Purple Plus, but many people love them.
Grandis.
A. Grandis
Active member
So what do you suggest? To begin with LEDs or nothing will work when choosing LEDs??
I know there is a problem with adaptation most times, but you have to admit that in many cases people don't talk about bleaching or nothing like that. Some do love LEDs for a while and still come back to T5s/MHs systems. A lot of people say the growth isn't the same after a while. They also say they get tired of the disco effects of the LEDs. Some say there is "something missing" when LEDs are used and they don't know what is missing.
Go figure...
Nice pictures! Look like they were photoshopped a bit though. Just look like... I'm not judging the pictures' colors here. Just so you know.
Grandis.
A. Grandis
Active member
:thumbsup:
A. Grandis
Active member
Corals can pop, but they aren't as healthy as if they were under MHs and/or T5s. They normally don't grow as fast too, people say. That's what I've heard by many that used LEDs after a year or 2.
By the way, to DIY takes time and money until you really figure out what you're doing and get the best out of it.
It's much easier and cheaper to get the ATI fixture or other good T5 or MH system IMO in the long run.
Grandis.
A. Grandis
Active member
The coloration you see is mere reflexion. With T5s too! And MHs too! But with T5s and MHs you get healthier corals, as many say.
I'm not against LEDs and I think everyone has the right to give their opinions and choose what's best for their tank. To me that's the ATI dimmable fixture with some ATI, Giesemann and UVL bulbs to give a special touch to it.
Please don't get excited nor upset with me. I'm just giving my opinions here and I really careless about if others will try to go against it.
This is just our opinions and it's a hobby. We're supposed to have some fun.
Let it roll...
T5s all the way! LOL!!!
Grandis.
