Pairing LEDs and T5.. Does it make a difference?

[hotelbravo]

I have had the USA Current Orbit Marine LEDs for almost 2 years and have been very happy with them. I have kept multiple anemones under these LEDs but I want to add some different species of anemones and some coral that prefer higher lighting than I know I can provide with just the LEDs. So the question is if I put a 48 inch dual bulb T5 fixture to run in conjunction with my LEDs will it make a difference? My LEDs are on a schedule and I would need to buy a timer for the T5s to only come on for 4-6 hours a day(when the whites are ramped up on the LEDs).

 

[Allentown]

Yes it will make a difference. I am an advocate of LEDs but I don't think there is much debate that LED + T5s is a more sure thing than just LEDs.

I would like to do the same but the only T5s I can find in a dual bulb fixture that wont shadow my LEDs are bottom price oddessy or Odessa or what ever its called.

 

[hotelbravo]

Well when it comes to T5s does a cheaper fixture still mean cheaper quality cause I was looking at a fixture for 90$ thats dual bulb 48inch made my coralife

 

[bdevillier]

I have a custom built led/t5 light I can without a doubt say that it works perfectly. by adding 2 48" t5 you will be adding a fair amount of light output. if its on the 90 that's in your sig, maybe a 4 bulb will be better? for me, my light is mostly led and supplemented by t5 so light output from the t5 is more of a visual thing and the majority of my par comes from the LEDs.

 

[hotelbravo]

I have a custom built led/t5 light I can without a doubt say that it works perfectly. by adding 2 48" t5 you will be adding a fair amount of light output. if its on the 90 that's in your sig, maybe a 4 bulb will be better? for me, my light is mostly led and supplemented by t5 so light output from the t5 is more of a visual thing and the majority of my par comes from the LEDs.

well a 4 bulb wouldnt really fit where i want it and a 2bulb would be much more convenient.

 

[hotelbravo]

After further review of the coralife brand fixture I dont think I will purchase it there are far to many people reporting problems with the ballasts of the light.

Can soneone suggest a place to look for other fixtures? Ive tried brs.com and fragtasticreef.com but im not sure if there is a "go to" website for lighting

 

[ghellin]

Retrofits seem to work well for most people. You can then build a rack to attach your T5's to your LED pendants. I found my Retrofits locally, but BRS and many other sites carry T5 end caps, reflectors, and ballasts. ATI bulbs and good reflectors will make a big improvement. I am LED all the way but LED/T5 combo is just beautiful. ATI blue+ and or Coral+ are great bulbs.

This is mine.

 

[hotelbravo]

That loots great thanks for the post!

 

[ghellin]

No problem! Good luck!