1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

t5 vs led

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by new2salt, Apr 22, 2014.

  1. new2salt

    288
    Mingo
    Ratings:
    +32 / 0 / -0
    So I know this has probably been talked about before but I couldn't find anything on here about it. So I've been debating on getting rid of the t5's and going led. So I was wondering is there any great benefit to going to leds besides bulb replacement. I just really love the blue look that the led gives off. As far as the tank it's a 55 with zoos and polyps and a couple lps one sps. So should I make the switch?
     
  2. wouldtick Well-Known ReefKeeper

    381
    waukee
    Ratings:
    +85 / 3 / -0
    i just researched this a ton before buying my LEDS. Some of the Pros I remember:

    electricity usage is less
    LEDs give off a lot less heat thus keeping water temperature more stable
    LEDs can be dialed in to promote coral growth and discourage nuisance algae growth (this one has been debated)
    LEDs have a lot of different mounting capabilities and typically take up less space



     
  3. Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    That's up to you if you switch. I have both LEDs and T5's. Leds are cheaper to run then T5's. T5's you can also go to a very blue look. Personally, I like T5's best. Good luck with your decision.
     
  4. mpivit Well-Known ReefKeeper

    494
    Dubuque
    Ratings:
    +28 / 1 / -0
    My 2cents
    If you go Led, get the ones with multi colors. You don't need to spend big bucks.
    I think t-5s give a nicer look and more even coverage, In trade you deal with heat in the summer and $100-$150 in bulb replacement every 9 months. I went with Leds over a year ago, and don't regret it, I liked the look of my t-5s better but the trade offs were worth it to me.

    I've had good growth with both.
     
  5. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    BOTH... leds with t5 supplement, or t5s with led supplement. No reason you have to have just one type of light over a tank.
     
  6. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    Yeah just get a reef brite or build my led actinic led strip and run with your t5. I have both led and another tank with t5. I find in my tanks I have better growth and color with t5. But I really like the pop you get with royal blue leds. So my opinion is do both.
     
  7. mikesams05p71

    mikesams05p71 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    634
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I just switched from t5 to full spectrum led. Love it.
     
  8. Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    You could just add a strip of blue LED's to your existing lighting.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  9. Adam

    257
    Durant, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Take a look at Orbit Marine LEDs I have 2 on my 135 very impressed
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  10. Adam

    257
    Durant, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Bad pic sorry
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  11. new2salt

    288
    Mingo
    Ratings:
    +32 / 0 / -0
    Adam I'd have to say that is the look I love
     
  12. Adam

    257
    Durant, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I will post a better one These lights have wireless remote, programmable, cloud cover, moon lights and thunderstorms
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  13. Adam

    257
    Durant, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Here is a better picture
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  14. new2salt

    288
    Mingo
    Ratings:
    +32 / 0 / -0
    Well I finally pulled the trigger and bought a led fixture I'd have to say I wish I would of done this sooner I can't be more pleased and a big thanks to everyone's thoughts I went with a current orbit marine on a side note thanks to the bod and spring fest sponsors that $100 gift certificate I won really made this light cheap
     
  15. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I have the current usa orbit led and love it. Storm and cloud features are awesome
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.