If you were me....

[ShawnSaucier]

So if you were in the process of a new build. Your tank is 60"x30"x24". You are planning a mixed reef. What would you use for lighting? And why?

 

[ShawnSaucier]

Really it's that I'm torn between LED and T5. I've been looking at the ATI Powermodule, $$$$

 

[calvo15290]

I'd do that and go with the LEDs because you'd save a lot in the long run

 

[GHill762]

Led t5 hybrid..

 

[Reefing Madness]

LED with Actinics. All about the cost, and the ability to change the intensity of lighting with just a dial.

 

[Russellaqua]

I agree with the sentiments above. The thing I dislike most about T5, or any fluorescent reef lighting, is that it is incapable of producing that shimmer. No matter how healthy the corals/fish/inverts are, and no matter how well aquascaped it is, a purely fluorescent lit tank looks artificial to me. Being able to dim to LEDs is a plus too, as it helps make things appear more natural as well. There is some discussion that it may actually lead to a healthier tank because it more closely mimics nature, though I'm not sure this have ever been definitively shown.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Without a doubt, LED's. I started with T5's and the yearly bulb change cost was killing me. I went with Apollo fixtures and they have already paid for themselves. However today I'd take a close look at ReefBreeders.....their fixtures are quality at a reasonable cost.

 

[mike007]

I beleive leds are the way to go. You will save money on your electric bill,no costly bulb replacements and your tank will stay cooler. Not to mention the excellent coral growth. But my advice is to invest in a good quality led fixture that will last for a long time.

 

[Ron Reefman]

What a great size for a tank! I'd love to have that extra 6" front to back.

I'm with all of the above. I've had t5 and mh in the past. For the last 10 months it's been 100% leds and both my corals and I love them. I have an 8" diameter birdsnest coral with over 75 growing tips hanging in my tank that was less than 1" long with no branches back 10 months ago. I have 4 tanks and had 1800w of mh and t5 along with a 1hp and 1/3rd hp chillers (outside the house). My peak use of leds is only about 800w, my chillers hardly run and my house A/C works much less. We just got our Sept electric bill and we used 650kwh less this Sept than a year ago. That's a $63 savings in one month (we've been averaging a $45/mth saving since I switched to leds)! And I used to do between $300-$400 in bulb replacements every year. Not any more! And fixture prices just keep getting better and better. I lit all 4 of my tanks (6 different fixtures) for $1400 in a group buy with OceanRevive/Evergrow fixtures.

 

[ShawnSaucier]

This is great. For me, T5 has always been one of those tried and true aspects. But like most, I need that shimmer. And to be honest, I do agree with Russellaqua in the fact that it may lead to a healthier tank as it is a bit more of a natural mimic. I have 2 AI Sol Blues currently. What I find difficult is the color morphing, acans and chalices for me are wasted money, and sometimes with so much controllability you can really put yourself in a pickle. Maybe this is because I'm not currently full spectrum.. I don't know. Buying bulbs every year is also a bit of a chore. As silly as it sounds, I've been frozen on this decision for 6 months.

 

[ShawnSaucier]

For those that have switched to LED, or switched back to T5, would you post some comparison pictures on how much your tank has changed in the long term??

 

[Djannel]

I started out with T5's for my first tank, a 55 gallon. When I upgraded to a 75, I took a chance with 2 Maxspect Mazarra modules and for months, while I loved the shimmer and the color pop, I did not get any growth at all.

Sold the Mazarras and went with an ATI Dimmable Sunpower and I cannot be any happier. Growth is amazing and the dimming is so beautiful and natural, specially when the actinic kicks in at night along with the water movement, the shimmer, while minimal, it looks awesome.

 

[cdness]

LEDs... I currently have T-5 and to be honest I have loved it. However when I installed LEDs on another friend's tank and saw the power usage and the added shimmer I fell in love. I have been running LEDs on part of my tank for 2 years, but never had the chance to fully upgrade. I should be upgraded by Christmas time.

If you are just starting, there is no reason not to look into LEDs as a first option. They will save you money in the long run for sure. This is especially true if you take a good look at the fixtures that don't cost an arm and a leg. I am using Evolution and Apollo fixtures right now and they are cost effective and great color.

 

[Djannel]

I love my ATI but it's tempting to go with something like the Photon 48. Anybody here has it and if so, how good is it? I looked at the Apollo fixtures but way too expensive to cover my 4 foot tank.

 

[ShawnSaucier]

I love the growth on SPS with the LED. Z&P's growth has been amazing also. Where I have issues is with some LPS, even if they are in shaded areas. I have a giant favia colony that looks a bit more grey than the rich purple and green. Chalices just fade to nothing and acans bleach out also, plus they morph in color.
I love hearing all of everyones experiences and why they switched. lets hear more and maybe some comparison pics?