LED vs T5

Hello all,

I am starting my new 90g SW aquarium build, the cycle began yesterday. I am trying to figure out which lighting build to go with, LED or T5.

My plan is to eventually add corals into the mix.

I just got back from my LFS and they were pushing the LED. I noticed it is a lot more expensive so I pumped the brakes and decided to get input from the members of 3reef. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

energy efficient and less heat that is all they do IMO i do just fine with t5s

 

Most people are finding that T5 and led are giving them the same results as far as coral growth. LEDs are more expensive at first but they last for a very long time. Usually on the order of 10 years before they need to be replaced. T5s will last about 9 months before they need to be replaced. You can do the math for yourself. Also more that LEDs use less electricity the T5s so you will also save money each month there. You can find out how much by looking at the watts used by each bulb and the watts used my the LED system.

HTH
Brian



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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.396746,-73.968471

 

Other than what's already been mentioned, t5 and LED will give two very different looks. T5 will give more of a clinical look with more even light edge to edge while most LED systems will give more shimmer and hard shadows. Either light will work great. It's just personal preference.

Michael Rice
Marine Engineers Aquarium Blog
Sent from Tapatalk so excuse my poor English

 

T5's work great, fixtures cost less upfront then LEDs, run hotter then LEDs, need to be replaced once a year, cost more to run then LEDs.

LED's are more expensive up front, are estimated to last 5+ years, Technology is still being developed/improved and still being proven.

I went with T5s for my 90 gallon. Cost was about $500, i would have went with LED's but it would have cost me about $1,000. When the costs come down and technology is at it's best, i will be upgrading. For me probably 3 to 4 years.

If you got the money, go with the LEDS if your on a budget go with the T5's

 

thanks for the replies.

IMO, the lights i like best are the ones that give the coral a kind of neon tint to them. almost like its under a blacklight. I'm assuming they are the LED's?

 

That glow can be achieved by either, whether its blue LEDs or actinic T5's.

 

thanks!!

how many lights should i get? 2,4,6?

 

For a 90 gallon with corals you're gonna need at least a 6 bulb T5 fixture! Which is chunk of change in its own right! Then to change out bulbs every 9 months or so is gonna run you at least $140 or so! And a decent 6 bulb T5 is at least $400-600 and the bulbs that come with that need changed pretty soon, so add $$140!

Now led's for a 90 gallon are gonna run ya prob around $700 low end to alot more! Prob around $900-1200 is reasonable! But the nice thing is, you can put the different led colors on different drivers and change the look of your tank as you wish! Plus you can get a controller and have a sunrise sunset effect too! Just a few things to consider! I figure within 2 years time, you'll have as much in a T5 as a decent led system, but you won't have to deal with changing bulbs etc!

 

Going to need a 6 bulb with individual reflectors, if you want to keep SPS.