Help me decide on a light, please!

[DylanF1]

As the title suggest I have two lighting options I'm interested in for my 20 long and can't make a decision. First is the Reef Radiance 165m, second is the 30" Coralife T5HO Lunar. I have no experience with either, so if you do, any pros and cons would be appreciated. Any other suggestions for a $200 price range are welcome. Operating cost difference is not an issue for me with these fixtures.


http://reefradiance.com/dm-165m.html

http://www.coralifeproducts.com/product/hoods-light-fixtures/#aqualight-lunar

 

[jess1111]

you can check out ST products (found good pricing through Amazon) for T5 structures and bulbs. have been recommending them to anyone and everyone that will listen lol! Hope I could lend ya some help & hope you get what you're in search of!

 

[sepulvd]

I have a 20 long using a 30in 4x24w t5 aquaticlife fixture with timer

 

[Xavibear]

The 30" Aquaticlife fixture is your best bet.

 

[Pokerman11]

Check out reefbreeders LED's . I would never buy anything other than LED at this time. Heat and noise from a bulb system are avoided.

I have a few reefbreeders LEDS's the photon series, is the best, but also I am about to buy a superlux. Full sunlight/sunset and moonlight timers all built in. That's one of the pros - a programmable timer. Full spectrum LEDS

Most people that have had issues with LEDS did not run full spectrum.

Con's with LED's - they are bright and corals take time to adjust, start slow and work up. With a programmable dimmer with different channels that's easy

Aside from reefbreeders there is also the Ocean Revive Arctic-T247 LED for under 175 that looks very compelling. Both are sponsers on this web site and have forums. Post a inquire on their slot and see what they say.

 

[Cole.97]

+1 on the LED's. This way you'll never have to upgrade. (I started with a T-5 fixture and upgraded to LED's within a year)

 

[Bpb]

+1 on the LED's. This way you'll never have to upgrade. (I started with a T-5 fixture and upgraded to LED's within a year)

LEDs are fine but the whole "never need to upgrade" sentiment is total hogwash

Most people will completely upgrade their entire units by the time they'd have gone through two bulb changes, while eating 90% of the initial purchase price.

 

[Xavibear]

+1 on the LED's. This way you'll never have to upgrade. (I started with a T-5 fixture and upgraded to LED's within a year)

Leds do wear out, it just takes years, not months like bulbs.

 

[bmasculine]

I like LED's I have a Coralife T-5 fixture on my 40 gal that I changed to a fluval full spectrum marine and reef LED bar and am much happier with it. Also about to swap out all my MH and t-12 's on my 185 gal to hydra 52's

 

[sepulvd]

What did you end up going with

 

[mypepper]

I like LED's I have a Coralife T-5 fixture on my 40 gal that I changed to a fluval full spectrum marine and reef LED bar and am much happier with it. Also about to swap out all my MH and t-12 's on my 185 gal to hydra 52's

Since I'm a Hydra 52 user, I can testify the Hydra 52's are excellent led units and my coral growth is exceptional as well.

Just a word of warning, once you have your Hydra 52's up and running, keep your led intensity low in the beginning and slowly work your way up. If you can afford the Director controller, it's well worth the investment.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[swk]

I went from leds, back to t5s and am very happy with my decision. The biggest question that'll help people is what kind of coral do you plan to keep?

 

[DylanF1]

Thank you for all the input, I decided to go with the Coralife T5HO 30" 124 watt. My deciding factor was browsing the tanks of the month to see what they were using and T5/MH were used much more predominantly and often than LED. I figure those guys got it right. If you'd like to see the build check it out here

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2454792

 

[Xavibear]

Thank you for all the input, I decided to go with the Coralife T5HO 30" 124 watt. My deciding factor was browsing the tanks of the month to see what they were using and T5/MH were used much more predominantly and often than LED. I figure those guys got it right. If you'd like to see the build check it out here

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2454792

The 30" Coralife uses a 30" bulb. Coralife is the only company you can buy 30" bulbs from & their bulbs aren't that good.

You should choose a 30" fixture that uses 24" bulbs. You will have much better options for uses different bulb combinations to get the look that you want.