What is the best lighting option?

[twoslik213]

I have a 125 gallon reef tank with T-12 lighting. It is getting more and more difficult to find the bulbs so I am thinking of upgrading the system. Most affordable would be to go to T-5, but is it better to take the plunge to LED lighting? If so, what LED would be ideal for a reef set up? Looking for your advice on how expensive the switch would be. On a low budget, so most affordable wins!


Bob

 

[mrbnx]

It honestly depends on the focus of the tank, coral-wise. If all you're keeping is softies, a cheap led is probably okay. If you're keeping sticks, then a nicer LED fixture or LED/T5 hybrid might be better. Also, with your tank, I'm guessing it's a 6-footer, so a 5-foot fixture might do fine and just have darker corners for lower light coral. Let us know the focus and we'll be able to discuss more

Hope all is well Bob!

 

[twoslik213]

I do have a 6 footer with a canopy. My corals include a little of everything, but are very easy to grow. Have some star polyps, brain coral, christmas tree coral. etc. How pricey is LED/T5 hybrid?

Doing well, thanks for asking
Bob