Thoughts on lighting a 400g tank

[ScroogeJones]

More than just light when talking about growth but you think LEDs out grow T5s? Kind of a contradiction IMO.

I've also yet to see a tank where dollar for dollar, LEDs beat out T5s or halide in terms of looks, color and overall health. The best LED lit tanks always have almost double the recommended amount of fixtures.

Well I was pointing out that when someone has growth with one light and someone else doesn't with a different light it's not always the light that could be the issue.
However in ideal perfect conditions imo the newest LEDs can put grow T5s. Assuming everything is perfect.
And yes dollar for dollar LEDs can't compete because LEDs are just more expensive. So the best T5 light compared to an LED of similar growth capabilities will always be more expensive.

 

[rtparty]

Well I was pointing out that when someone has growth with one light and someone else doesn't with a different light it's not always the light that could be the issue.
However in ideal perfect conditions imo the newest LEDs can put grow T5s. Assuming everything is perfect.
And yes dollar for dollar LEDs can't compete because LEDs are just more expensive. So the best T5 light compared to an LED of similar growth capabilities will always be more expensive.

This is for another topic but I'll go one more...

Why?

If light is light, what would make an LED grow corals any quicker? Especially when it's proven that T5s cover far better, provide less shadowing and give more underside light.

I think light itself is very low on the growth priority list. Available food and nutrients will help growth far more.

 

[ScroogeJones]

This is for another topic but I'll go one more...

Why?

If light is light, what would make an LED grow corals any quicker? Especially when it's proven that T5s cover far better, provide less shadowing and give more underside light.

I think light itself is very low on the growth priority list. Available food and nutrients will help growth far more.

I would say it's all equal. You can't have one without the other.
And I would just have to say that the T5s covering better, less shadowing, etc. isn't something that's true anymore. That's why I'm only able to really compare the newest LED Technology. But even if the growth is equal as far as light output. Then I think the ability to create gradual increases and decreases and color give the LEDs the edge. Because Corals especially SPS need more than just one color spectrum to thrive.

 

[rtparty]

I would say it's all equal. You can't have one without the other.
And I would just have to say that the T5s covering better, less shadowing, etc. isn't something that's true anymore. That's why I'm only able to really compare the newest LED Technology. But even if the growth is equal as far as light output. Then I think the ability to create gradual increases and decreases and color give the LEDs the edge. Because Corals especially SPS need more than just one color spectrum to thrive.

But it is true. Go watch the Bulk Reef Supply video where they show how even T5 light is compared to LEDs. That's why most people need almost twice the LED fixtures as recommended. Just the nature of point source vs diffused lighting. Hence, why a good reflector is paramount to a halide setup

Also, since when is T5 a single spectrum light source? Next to halide, there's nothing else that compares to a T5 spectrum.

Are you talking about changing the color temperature throughout the day? That has ZERO to do with growth and health. That's purely for our enjoyment.

 

[sirreal63]

Im going to give the 250w a try before i pull the trigger on new ballasts. Just spent too much $ on redoing the house, so tank funds arent there. haha

Your 250's will be fine for your tank. I can show you pics of 150 watters on a 28" tall tank and he kept SPS on the sand bed for fragging.

 

[lolgranny]

Your 250's will be fine for your tank. I can show you pics of 150 watters on a 28" tall tank and he kept SPS on the sand bed for fragging.

Thats good to know! I didnt want to have to spend mo monie. haha

 

[ca1ore]

Used 250 HQI for 25 years -it'll punch down to 30" without any problem. So will the Radion for that matter. As noted earlier, any point source light will present shading problems when compared with a line source; so you end up with more fixtures.