PinkPunisher
New member
So I'm currently in the planning stages of getting a custom tank made a Miracles Aquariums, I've decided on the dimensions being 36"x24"x18" (LxWxH). I'm still deciding on whether to go rimless, or eurobraced. I plan on for the time being having it without a canopy, so my lights will be hanging above so it not being 'ugly' is important.
I'm debating between either T5, LED, or a combination of both.
DIY LED would be the cheapest option, though likely the least attractive. It would consist of likely two separate heat sinks, in a similar layouts to that of a Radion or AI Sol. I'm also unsure if I would go dimmable or non-dimmable, obviously non-dimmable is cheaper but dimmable allows for more tweaking. Its to my understanding it also changes the spectrum of the LEDs though, should that be a real concern?
T5 would be the most expensive option, but has been proven that it can grow some mean corals. If I was to go with a T5 fixture I'm not sure what would be the best, a 8x24W or a 6x39W? Both would be ATI Sunpowers.
If I was to go with a combination of T5 and LED I would likely go with 4x39W T5s and 16-28 Cree LEDs. Would it be better to retrofit in my four T5s separately, in two groupings of two, or one grouping of four? I can get a Tek Light 4x39W with new ATI bulbs for $320 and then I still have $130 for supplemental LEDs but then all my T5s are bunch in the center with the LEDs outside them.
My last option would be to go the non-DIY LED route and get a Kessil 360W or two A150W. I'm hesitant to go with the Kessil's though as I've personally never seen one and I'm worried I won't like the colours of them. At least with the 360W/350W I have the option to change the colour slightly but I feel just one won't give me enough spread to cover my entire tank. It may possibly also fry whats directly underneath it as the tank is only 18" deep correct?
I currently have a ATI 4x54W Powermodule that I'm going to either selling or trying to trade for a smaller ATI fixture. My maximum budget will for the time being be $450, assuming I can't trade the ATI fixture for a smaller one and make $300 off selling.
For corals I intend to do a SPS dominated reef so the lighting does need to be rather strong. Also for the time being energy efficiency isn't the largest concern as my utilities are included in my rent but I wouldn't mind having it be rather efficient in case I move and have to pay hydro separately.
Lastly, I would prefer is this didn't turn into a debate on T5 vs LED and would be more focused on the pros and cons of each and what you feel would work best on my tank. :wavehand:
I'm debating between either T5, LED, or a combination of both.
DIY LED would be the cheapest option, though likely the least attractive. It would consist of likely two separate heat sinks, in a similar layouts to that of a Radion or AI Sol. I'm also unsure if I would go dimmable or non-dimmable, obviously non-dimmable is cheaper but dimmable allows for more tweaking. Its to my understanding it also changes the spectrum of the LEDs though, should that be a real concern?
T5 would be the most expensive option, but has been proven that it can grow some mean corals. If I was to go with a T5 fixture I'm not sure what would be the best, a 8x24W or a 6x39W? Both would be ATI Sunpowers.
If I was to go with a combination of T5 and LED I would likely go with 4x39W T5s and 16-28 Cree LEDs. Would it be better to retrofit in my four T5s separately, in two groupings of two, or one grouping of four? I can get a Tek Light 4x39W with new ATI bulbs for $320 and then I still have $130 for supplemental LEDs but then all my T5s are bunch in the center with the LEDs outside them.
My last option would be to go the non-DIY LED route and get a Kessil 360W or two A150W. I'm hesitant to go with the Kessil's though as I've personally never seen one and I'm worried I won't like the colours of them. At least with the 360W/350W I have the option to change the colour slightly but I feel just one won't give me enough spread to cover my entire tank. It may possibly also fry whats directly underneath it as the tank is only 18" deep correct?
I currently have a ATI 4x54W Powermodule that I'm going to either selling or trying to trade for a smaller ATI fixture. My maximum budget will for the time being be $450, assuming I can't trade the ATI fixture for a smaller one and make $300 off selling.
For corals I intend to do a SPS dominated reef so the lighting does need to be rather strong. Also for the time being energy efficiency isn't the largest concern as my utilities are included in my rent but I wouldn't mind having it be rather efficient in case I move and have to pay hydro separately.
Lastly, I would prefer is this didn't turn into a debate on T5 vs LED and would be more focused on the pros and cons of each and what you feel would work best on my tank. :wavehand:
