T5s versus LEDs?

U

uncwba00

New member
Anyone know of a thread covering this?

I have 33 gallon tanks, 1 already setup as a reef/frag tank. Other I need to decide on what lights for it, it is setup and running with my old LEDs. I am running Marineland Reef LEDs on the reef/frag tank. When I went to a coral swap the other day I talked with some of the people there and now I am wondering if T5s are the way to go or not? For a tank this shallow (48 1/4 x 12 3/4 x 12 7/8) how much will T5s heat the water? What are some opinions for this particular size tank for LEDs versus T5s. Any input would be awesome, Thanks
 
uncwba00 said:
Anyone know of a thread covering this?

I have 33 gallon tanks, 1 already setup as a reef/frag tank. Other I need to decide on what lights for it, it is setup and running with my old LEDs. I am running Marineland Reef LEDs on the reef/frag tank. When I went to a coral swap the other day I talked with some of the people there and now I am wondering if T5s are the way to go or not? For a tank this shallow (48 1/4 x 12 3/4 x 12 7/8) how much will T5s heat the water? What are some opinions for this particular size tank for LEDs versus T5s. Any input would be awesome, Thanks
Click to expand...

I don't mean this to sound rude, so please don't take it that way, but if you search (button) on this forum you'll find tons of threads on this topic.
 
This is a topic that has been beat to death over and over and over...

Each side argues theirs is the best. It never ends. If you like the look of T5s, you should go with them. They are proven and work very well. How much they will heat the water will depend on each system. There is no one size fits all
 
8938506.jpg
 
^^^^+1 to what Chris said. I have a t5/led fixture and love it. It's the best of both worlds. I just upgraded to a larger tank and will be building a new t5/led to fit my needs.
 
With a 12 inch deep tank T5's can easily achieve all the PAR output you need while still getting the upside of all that spread. For that shallow of a tank I'd probably go only T5, but you could also go some slightly lower power LED's (which will be a little cheaper) and not replace bulbs. I really like the "Spread" of the T5's and how the diffusion makes the tank feel brighter.

If you haven't, watch the T5 vs LED PAR comparo BRS did on their youtube channel- very good information when measured IN water, not air as many light manufacturers do.


If you want to get some of the "Sparkle" of the LED's, no reason you couldn't do both with either a combo fixture or a DIY solution, which is the route I'm headed.
 
Bronx19 said:
In my opinion, T5 is the foundation of healthy, colourful and growing corals. LED is for our amusement.
Click to expand...

Actually LEDs have made huge improvements. The problem before was not knowing what Spectrum and intensity to set LEDs at. There are many mind blowing LED tanks out there.
 
Last edited:
in either case you choose, you will have to ditch your marineland fixture, its useless. but t5s are the easiest by far
 
Why, I got them both back in 1999. Power compacts ran on them and could have a pretty good "reef" tank back then with those lights, had anemones, bubble corals, mushrooms, zoas, hammers, etc. Too shallow to run MHs on I thought, at least if you didn't want to burn off the water and need a chiller. Thought they would make great frag/reef tanks now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Fluval Reef 4.0 LED Nano Power Level for 15G?
Replies
3
Views
244
kingyking888
K
C.Eymann
SPS and kessil only lightning
Replies
1
Views
737
griss
griss
S
Novice Aquarist - Sump & Equipment Questions
Replies
9
Views
356
wvned
wvned
Squatch_86
New to RC!
2
Replies
39
Views
5K
wvned
wvned
E
Red Sea weir overflow
Replies
9
Views
320
griss
griss
Back
Top