New light system, trying to do corals

[Coachb9]

I am upgrading my lights so I can move from fish only into a couple corals. I don't want to spend a fortune so I have found 2 local guys who are also upgrading and offered to sell me their old lights.
One is a SB 32 and the other is Reefbreeders 48 photon v1. Both appear to be about a year old.
My tank is 48" long x 13 deep and 20 tall. I would like to be able to grow most corals so I am looking for the best option.
The SB 32 is only $150 while the Reefbreeder 48 photon is $300 but I hope I can get it for $250, although I haven't asked if he will take that yet.
Any input will be appreciated

 

[becon776]

Go with t5

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[robsk]

Go with t5

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Yep. If you want a no thrills, high percentage win on growing corals; go T5. Funny thing is that most folks with Leds will eventually at least supplement with the long bulb. Why not just start there.

 

[Coachb9]

So that seems like a cheaper option. What is the downfall to the T5? Why wouldn't everyone do T5? I assuming that it has to do with color but I know what happens when I assume

 

[Livinlocal619]

Actually you would be surprised at how many people use T5, in fact It has been a tried-and-true method for a very long time along with metal halide's. T5s are my light of choice


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[Livinlocal619]

New light system, trying to do corals

That's kind of a hard to answer a question when you word it like that. It's not that everyone doesn't want T5s, there is a lot that factors into it. Some people prefer LEDs because they run cooler temperatures and cost less electricity, and the bulb prices also come into play. You have to buy new bulbs every 6 to 8 months for T5s. Maybe it has just been my experience, but T5s have always outperformed my LEDs.


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[becon776]

Still running 2x250watt de Phoenix and 4x54 watt t5. I have learned to let the t5 be the workhorses.
For just starting t5 are cheap up frobt and user friendly.

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[Ron Reefman]

I'd go for the RB Photon V1. I used them for 5+ years over a 72" mostly sps tank and only upgraded to the V2 because I changed tanks and the 32" fixtures don't work over a 60" tank.

There is nothing wrong with t5 lights, they light the tank well and they grow coral as well as any other type of fixture. The issues are, to change the color of the tank, you have to replace bulbs. And you'll probably end up doing all new bulbs every 12 months (roughly).