T5 vs LED

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Rawdogz, Dec 15, 2011.

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  1. Rawdogz

    Rawdogz Torch Coral

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    Rawdogz, Dec 15, 2011
    Rawdogz, Dec 15, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I would stay with the T5HO in this case. You want 3W diodes when using LED generally. The T5HO will have better PAR in this case and you would need several of the LED fixtures. LEDs will last longer than T5HO bulbs.
     
    2in10, Dec 15, 2011
    2in10, Dec 15, 2011
    #2
  3. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

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    those led's will not be capable of handling a clam in a 30 gallon tank.
     
    chelseagrin, Dec 15, 2011
    chelseagrin, Dec 15, 2011
    #3
  4. Stercus Accidit

    Stercus Accidit Feather Duster

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    2 of those LED fixtures you posted in my LFS on a 10g tank are minimal lighting at best. If those are your two options, stick with the T5HO's.
     
    Stercus Accidit, Dec 15, 2011
    Stercus Accidit, Dec 15, 2011
    #4
  5. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    I'm trying to figure out why you are comparing a $60 LED with a $250 T5 unit. A better comparison would be a Kessil A150 ($260) or even the AI Nano ($300) as they are closer to the same price. In these cases I would choose the LED as they might generate more PAR.

    Personally, I am not a fan of the 18watt T5 as it is not a normal lenth that the major T5 companies like ATI and Giesemann support. IMO, if you are not getting a 24" fixture or larger, you should consider passing on T5.
     
    gcarroll, Dec 15, 2011
    gcarroll, Dec 15, 2011
    #5
  6. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    +101 very true. This what 4W of LEDs are good for:
    Amazon.com: duracell led 160 lumens 4w flashlight: Home Improvement
     
    m2434, Dec 15, 2011
    m2434, Dec 15, 2011
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  7. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

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    well over a pico tank they could do some good. i actually have a dwarf seahorse tank that oculd benefit froma good light fixture like that so i think i may purchase one. over a 2 gallon tank im sure it will be a good light. but it will be like a moonlight over a 30 gallon tank.
     
    chelseagrin, Dec 15, 2011
    chelseagrin, Dec 15, 2011
    #7
  8. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    I'm not sure about that. On my 6g, I have 24W of CREE LEDs and personally, I would say it's barely enough for soft corals, but that's just me...
     
    m2434, Dec 15, 2011
    m2434, Dec 15, 2011
    #8
  9. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

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    over my 5 gallon i have a 12 watt par38 and a 12 watt panorama fixture, that only 24 watts and i can grow anything in there.
     
    chelseagrin, Dec 15, 2011
    chelseagrin, Dec 15, 2011
    #9
  10. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    Well, I should point out that I like light ;D
     
    m2434, Dec 15, 2011
    m2434, Dec 15, 2011
    #10
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