HO t5 or LED (noob to lighting)

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rattler739

Guest
Just started back up about four weeks ago and my PC went out and till I get $ I have been using some spare lights had laying around (don't worry no corals yet) but was wondering which would be the best for the least amount. I am debating on a LED, specifically the Marineland Reef capable 1watt LEDs, and a T5 unit, Tek-Light Elite T5 HO Air-Cooled Fluorescent Fixtures - 3 Ft. - 6 lamp - 39 watts.
Also I am wondering what type of corals I can have with either one. I definafely want some soft corals (which I'm pretty sure would work under both) and some LPS (not so sure about lighting on these) and possibly an anemone or two. Hope I don't have to many restictions. Oh yeah and I don't think I would have enough time with work and everything to do a DIY.
Any help or input would be awesome!
 
reefraff

reefraff

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rattler739 http:///t/388255/ho-t5-or-led-noob-to-lighting#post_3422970
Just started back up about four weeks ago and my PC went out and till I get $ I have been using some spare lights had laying around (don't worry no corals yet) but was wondering which would be the best for the least amount. I am debating on a LED, specifically the Marineland Reef capable 1watt LEDs, and a T5 unit, Tek-Light Elite T5 HO Air-Cooled Fluorescent Fixtures - 3 Ft. - 6 lamp - 39 watts.
Also I am wondering what type of corals I can have with either one. I definafely want some soft corals (which I'm pretty sure would work under both) and some LPS (not so sure about lighting on these) and possibly an anemone or two. Hope I don't have to many restictions. Oh yeah and I don't think I would have enough time with work and everything to do a DIY.
Any help or input would be awesome!
Assuming the tank isn't over 18 inches tall the Tek light would let you keep anything properly placed in the tank. While I haven't seen the Marineland fixture the pics don't show many LED's, I don't buy they are reef capable with so few LED's but like I said, Havent seen one in person.
 
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rattler739

Guest
It's a 30 gal would post pics but can't figure out how since I don't have a computer just an iPhone
 
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rattler739

Guest

Assuming the tank isn't over 18 inches tall the Tek light would let you keep anything properly placed in the tank. While I haven't seen the Marineland fixture the pics don't show many LED's, I don't buy they are reef capable with so few LED's but like I said, Havent seen one in person.
So in the future if I wanted to could even keep SPS or possibly even a small clam I thought that you could only keep those with MH or the really nice LED setups
 
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cuccaro

Guest
If u want leds go with 3 watt not 1 watt. Had a 1 watt system and regret it waste of $
 
reefraff

reefraff

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rattler739 http:///t/388255/ho-t5-or-led-noob-to-lighting#post_3423064
So in the future if I wanted to could even keep SPS or possibly even a small clam I thought that you could only keep those with MH or the really nice LED setups
The good T5's will keep anything halides will unless you start getting into 30" tall tanks and over. Your's is mid level and will do fine on a short tank like that even for a clam.
 
1guydude

1guydude

Well-Known Member
+1
as everyone said...the tek light is ur best bet imo. Those are really nice fixtures plus ur getting the elite with the fan which will keep the ends of the t5s cooler allowing longer use out of the bulbs. You have to include bulb costs though as well so dont forget that!
As far as the LEDs go...marineland ones are bogis... u want 3w+ leds to get anything out of em....
 
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rattler739

Guest
If u want leds go with 3 watt not 1 watt. Had a 1 watt system and regret it waste of $
I would like to have LEDs cause of the shimmer effect but have not seen any with the 3 watts that are not uber expensive
 
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rattler739

Guest

^^^ Good point. If that tank is only 12" front to back you only need 4 lamps.
So 4 or 6 doesn't matter either will work and will sustain pretty much whatever?
 
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rattler739

Guest

LOL....If only you knew why I was asking....HAHAHAH...I should have said....HOW LONG is that tank

 
 
36" long 12"wide and 16" tall (I think)
 
reefraff

reefraff

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rattler739 http:///t/388255/ho-t5-or-led-noob-to-lighting#post_3423175
So 4 or 6 doesn't matter either will work and will sustain pretty much whatever?
Yeah. 6 will give a tich more peak par but mainly it adds a larger area of high par. Another thing you have to be careful about is the lack of lower light areas for your critters. I know it goes against conventional wisdom but in some cases halides are better for a mixed reef because you have high light areas right under the lamp and then as you move away it's lower so it gives more options.
 
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rattler739

Guest
Meowzer :
I got it and I'll let you know
And aren't all 30 gals 36" long hope I wasnt sold the wrong thing
 
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rattler739

Guest
So with just 4 I just put whatever needs more light at top and they will still thrive not just survive
 
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