t5 lighting cost vs. worth

[Hens4Fish]

Ok,
So I am not happy with my LEDs and how they are affecting my LPS. My SPS look ok, but I want an LPS dominated tank. So I am thinking of going back to t-5s. I have a 24 nano tank and was thinking of getting this fixture...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+23753&pcatid=23753

I am looking at the 20" model, since it fits above the tank nicely. My question is this, does it matter the type of fixture you get, or is it more important to get quality bulbs? I want to grow acans, chalices and scolys, along with some zoas. I know there are other fixtures out there for $400 without bulbs, but is there any difference in those compared to these? I would get 2 fixtures so that I could have 4 bulbs to work with on lighting. Any thoughts would be awesome.
Thanks

 

[VoiceInTheDeser]

I got a fixture from Reefbreeders and I'm really happy with it. You won't find a cheaper controllable unit anywhere else. My Acans and other LPS are reacting to it quite well. They have a sponser forum if you wanna check it out. Only downside is that shipping can take a while sometimes when they are backed up with orders.

 

[RFLKPTR]

I won't harp on light acclimation and the fact that most current LEDs are fine for growing purposes since you seem dead-set on changing. :dance:

Reflectors, ballasts and bulbs are the most important. Everything else should just be the shell. (save for the other integral electrical components) You want a ballast that will adequately drive your bulbs, you want a reflector that will adequately deliver your light in a downward fashion, and you want bulbs that have a desirable kelvin temperature and intensity.

That fixture won't be top of the line, really. If you go that route, I honestly think the super nice bulbs would be wasted. That's just my thought though. It also doesn't have fans, which also cool off the bulb, lengthening the useful life of said bulbs.

I hope this was helpful to you in some way!

 

[Hens4Fish]

Thanks for the response. I am not dead set on chaning though. I changed my light fixture this weekend, and am now only using 4 neutral white and 8 royal blue LEDs to light my tank. I switched them to one single driver. So I would appreciate the explaination on light acclimation for LEDs, that would help. I would love to keep my LEDs, since they are paid for already.
Thanks.

 

[mbg75]

Problem with a 20" is that your really limited on bulb choices

 

[RFLKPTR]

Well, most corals react differently to new lighting, but generally the more intense the lighting, the more of a reaction you get. So common practice with LEDs nowadays is to start your intensity to something equal or less than the intensity of your previous lighting system. Once you've done that, you can start ramping up the intensity of your LEDs, assuming they're dimmable. If they're not dimmable, then people use layers of window screen to block out a good portion of the light. Your long term goal is to get your tank acclimated to a level that you and your corals are comfortable with. :celeb3:

Good luck with the LEDs! You'll love them if you do things right. You may hear people talking about full-spectrum LEDs, which are LEDs of spectrums that your Blue/White setup will be lacking. Typically Neutral White, Red, Violet, Green. These may/may not be proved necessary, but they're all the rage right now. :reading:

 

[Hens4Fish]

Thanks for the response. I got my corals from a guy that had them under kessil, and mine burned them, so I will watch that from now on.
Thanks,
Bill