Need help with choosing cheapish lighting for 29G (30") tank. T5 or LEDs

[mjstech]

So I have been looking online for a while and will not be buying a hi-end lighting system for now. Yes I know, you get what you pay for. Or don't get those, just get the expensive ones now.

I currently am :facepalm: balancing :uhoh2: a 24" 130W Power Compact (these were unused, so the bulbs are good) from Coralife on the tank. I hope to order Sunday, June 5th, for delivery sometime mid next week.
I may hack a 48" into a 30" if more research is needed, and just for fun. But the 24" seems hot. If I hack it I would be getting the legs which may help with tank temp, and would use 4 fans. These are the models before they came with night LED. Old I know, I never used them 9 years ago when I got out of the hobby, I did have reef tanks back then. :wave:
Now I am back in with a 29G Glass tank. I only have zoos, palys, and mushrooms for now. Will want some LPS/SPS soonish.
This is what the 48" is.

Here are the ones I am looking at. I haven't seen any reviews/info for the first 4 on my list.

1. Older Tech. T5 lighting. Cheapest. Includes legs. I don't know if these run hot or not. I never used T5... only MH, VHO, and PC. No Dimming.

Dimensions - 31.00" x 7.50" x 2.50"
Brackets flips up and tightens on edges
Supports 4x 24W T5 High Output lamps
Supports 4x Bluemoon LED
8000 Lumen
Standard sized T5 sockets
Quick disconnect ballast
Acrylic splash guard

2. 3W LED. I don't like how low the legs are, I have HOB skimmer that does produce some bubbles. Don't know if they run hot or not. Like how you can run blue lights only. Seems like ok white vs. blue ratio. No Dimming.

Fixture Size: 29.00" x 9.25" x 1.25" (Add 0.65" in height with bracket installed)
LEDs Count: 36
5200 Lumens
Super energy efficient 3 watt high output LEDs
20x 10,000K LED
16x Actinic 460nm LED
Use 108 watts
Features:
Best design: slim, light, and yet, contemporary
A three ways toggle on/off switches function as (1) all day White/Act. Blue, (2) Off, & (3) Act. Blue as lunar light
OEM Timer Ready (OEM Digital Timer is sold separately as an optional accessory.)
Extends to 34" or more in length with brackets installed
Individual & replaceable lenses (**New & Improved with Wider Angles**)
External high power transformers/LED Drivers

3. 3W LED. I don't like how low the legs are, I have HOB skimmer that does produce some bubbles. Don't know if they run hot or not. 40 Bulbs. Seems like too much white(30) vs. blue(10) ratio. Can't run blue only. No Dimming

Fixture Size: 29.00" x 7.00" x 1.38" (Add 0.65" in height with bracket installed)
LEDs Count: 40
6250 Lumens
Super energy efficient 3 watt high output LEDs
30x 10,000K LED
10x Actinic 460nm LED
Use 120 watts
Features:
Best design: slim, light, and yet, contemporary
Three ways toggle on/off switch functions as (1) all day White/Act. Blue, (2) Off, & (3) Act. Blue/some white as lunar & star light
OEM Timer Ready (OEM Digital Timer is sold separately as an optional accessory.)
Extends to 34" or more in length with brackets installed
Clear plastic splash guard
Cooling Fans System
External high power transformer/LED Driver

4. 3W LED. Like the height of legs, I have HOB skimmer that does produce some bubbles. Don't know if they run hot or not. But includes fan(s). 48 Bulbs. Seems like good white vs blue ratio. Can't run blue only. No Dimming. (This is the one I am leaning towards for now.)

Fixture Size: 31.00" x 9.00" x 1.50" (Add 3.00" in height with bracket installed)
LEDs Count: 48
5400 Lumens
Super energy efficient 3 watt high output LEDs
24x 10,000K LED
24x Actinic 460nm LED
Use 144 watts
Features:
Individual SnakeEyes lenses
Three ways toggle on/off switches function as (1) all day White/Act. Blue, (2) Off, & (3) a partial White/Act. Blue as lunar & star light
OEM Timer Ready (OEM Digital Timer is sold separately as an optional accessory.)
Cooling Fans System
External high power transformers/LED Drivers

5. I am also looking at the Chinese 165W/120W Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Grow Lights Marine Fish Tank Reef Coral Lights in either basic turn dimmer, timer or wifi. I don't know if these run hot, they include 3 fans on most. I don't know what height to keep at/will it light enough of a 29G tank? And I would have to figure out a mount for it... like bookshelf hanger.

6. I have also looking into DIY a bit. Getting some 3W LEDs from china via ebay for like $1-1.50 each and figuring out diver/cooling heatsink/mount. I don't know how many LEDs I would need/use/want.

 

[IkeG]

Why not find a Craigslist special or ebay. You can find some nice used lighting. I picked up a nice maxspect Razor 420r 16k. It works well with SPS.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[PIPSTER]

Have you went to a fish store and seen the in-person difference between led and t-5?

It's more about if you like shadows and shimmer, or if you want a soft glow with no shimmer.
LEDs offer dimming and usually blue\white differential to allow custom color schemes, so they offer more control.
LEDs last a very long time. T-5s can be expensive to replace bulbs.

 

[Zacktosterone]

i may have missed it, but are you worried about energy costs? if not why not go with a halide?they're cheap to buy and cost a smidge more in power. obviously leds are more efficient, but halides, going to pack a bigger punch.

 

[azjohnny]

Do you have a budget?