CrayolaViolence
New member
I have been going round and round about the best lights to grow acros under. I keep coming back to T5. Does everyone here with well established and growing sps tanks use T5? Or do any of you use LED and if so which ones?
Light choice
- Thread starter CrayolaViolence
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fcmatt
Member
I have had tanks over the years. None now. Just moved into a new home. FYI.
You will find that LED is taking over the market but T5 is a great choice. It really is personal preference. Both can grow amazing acros when all other factors are equal.
I am partial to ATI's T5 lamps. I like the fact I can switch out bulbs to get the desired color I want.
But now LEDs offer an amazing array of choices which was not available years ago.
I really think lighting is a part you do not skimp on when it comes to acros. LED means less heat, lower power. T5 may offer better coverage for less money but higher maintenance down the road via bulb changes.
If I was you... and being that I had tanks in the past.. i would probably use my ATI light in the basement with new bulbs since I already own it. But if I was starting from scratch I would buy LED. I would expect good results from both!
CrayolaViolence
New member
I've tried to find data on comparing the results between different LED fixtures and have not found any. Does anyone know which LED has the best reputation for growing SPS and keeping up a mixed tank?
CrayolaViolence
New member
Another thing too, I see so many people, even those in the business of coral, who are returning to the T5s over LEDs. The only consensus I can come up with is that the growth is just more predictable.
bshow24
Member
I buy from a guy near me who solely utilizes EcoTech Radions and gets amazing growth and color out of it. I personally utilize these, but can't talk about growth yet as all I have are frags. What I've found with LEDs is there is too much opportunity to tinker, and every time this occurs means a slow down of growth.
Obviously there are great grow outs from T5 as well, the only downside to these is having to keep up on bulb changes.
Both have the capability to grow corals due to solid PAR numbers, that's not going to be a problem, just make sure they stay consistent and you'll be good.
As far as suggestions, LED wise I only have experience with Radions, but I've seen threads where every single high end manufacturer has a vote (EcoTech, AI, GHL). As long as they provide a solid spectrum, you'll be fine.
Obviously there are great grow outs from T5 as well, the only downside to these is having to keep up on bulb changes.
Both have the capability to grow corals due to solid PAR numbers, that's not going to be a problem, just make sure they stay consistent and you'll be good.
As far as suggestions, LED wise I only have experience with Radions, but I've seen threads where every single high end manufacturer has a vote (EcoTech, AI, GHL). As long as they provide a solid spectrum, you'll be fine.
tigersmith
New member
I went from 400w Radiums to Radion Pro G3. T5s are tried and proven. I have seen many succesful T5 acro tanks. The issue with Radions is shadowing beneath the acros. With proper placement, intensity, and spectrum schedule, Radions Pro G3 IME can grow and color acros well. Here are just some of my acros growing and coloring up nicely under Radions.
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hkgar
Active member
scar79
New member
This topic has been covered pretty extensively. I think the general consensus is that LEDs can grow coral well, but because of shadowing and the lack of that "bright" look, T5 still has irreplaceable value. I think a T5/LED combo is the best of both worlds - lower power consumption, LED "pop" especially in green and red corals, and good, even, broad spectrum light from T5 to make the tank really bright and colorful.
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