T5 or led lighting for mixed reef

[tony.schmucker.52]

I think t5 is still best for growth and photos, but leds are best for overall display. Just my 2©

 

[CoralHut]

those ATIs also grow beautiful bubble algae-lol sorry Lesley....

I could not disagree with you more. Sounds like faulty reasoning to me.

 

[760mason]

One word, Kessils. The closest light you will get to Metal Halide.

Best led on the market. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles but imo perfect light. Halides=great color and growth+heat+high electric bills. T5=Awesome color+good growth+high maintenance cost. LED=good color+good growth+low operating cost. My electric bill went down $20 to $30 a month after I changed from Halides to LED. I will never go back.

 

[Fishbone]

I don't get the energy savings point T5 vs LED unless you live CA or another state that charges high electric prices. I believe most people pay around 12 cents a KWH. I did the math and on a 6 bulb fixture like most are recommending that comes out to ~$11 a month. Assuming everything on for 8 hours and 12hrs of supplement light with two bulbs. What are most people going to save 5 bucks a month on electric if that. I get it if you live in CA and it costs way more for electric or you are coming from halides & VHO.

 

[760mason]

I don't get the energy savings point T5 vs LED unless you live CA or another state that charges high electric prices. I believe most people pay around 12 cents a KWH. I did the math and on a 6 bulb fixture like most are recommending that comes out to ~$11 a month. Assuming everything on for 8 hours and 12hrs of supplement light with two bulbs. What are most people going to save 5 bucks a month on electric if that. I get it if you live in CA and it costs way more for electric or you are coming from halides & VHO.

I live in CA and it is almost impossible to calculate what they are charging us. We pay different rates based on time of year, time of day, temp, off peak hours, It is ridiculous. I was running 2 tanks with halides and my bill was over $220+ a month. I changed the halides for Kessil's and saw a $20 to $30 savings. I live in a 1,200 sq ft condo. $200+ electric bills were no fun. After I switched to the LED on my tanks I also switched out all my house lights with dimmable LED can lights. My electric bill is now $129 to $140. Those are the reasons I am a true believer in the LED.