I've been out of the hobby a while but I've got the bug again. I've happily run various MH/T5 combos since 1992 but I'm going T5/LED this time. Brand new tank, can't decide on lighting.
What I know so far:
- Tank is 72x24x27" from Planet Aquariums
- Fully enclosed canopy (light spill not an issue)
- SPS only
- Primary Lighting will be T5 (60" 8x80W ATI Sunpower B+/C+)
- Love metal halide but its too hot for my home :mad:
- I am not interested in LED as a primary light source at all
- I need some kind of moonlight (wife hates lights off)
I'm trying to figure out supplemental LED lighting. The LEDs will be only for shimmer and color pop since I know for a fact the Sunpower on its own can grow SPS like a champ. I also want some kind of moonlight since the tank is in my living room.
Options for supplemental lighting:
- 2x Orphek OR3 150 Blue Plus (or other LED bar?): I haven't seen these in person. I'm worried the T5 would wash out all the shimmer (heard this complaint in several videos). Supposedly good for coral color? Not adjustable in any way.
- 3x Kessil A360W: Should be plenty of shimmer. Adjustable. I'd build a custom mount to attach in front of the Sunpower and angle these towards center. More expensive. Good off-hours light, moonlight, etc. No clue how this will look in reality against T5.
Any input? Really tough when you can't see a comparable tank first but everyone nearby has gone all LED it seems.
What I know so far:
- Tank is 72x24x27" from Planet Aquariums
- Fully enclosed canopy (light spill not an issue)
- SPS only
- Primary Lighting will be T5 (60" 8x80W ATI Sunpower B+/C+)
- Love metal halide but its too hot for my home :mad:
- I am not interested in LED as a primary light source at all
- I need some kind of moonlight (wife hates lights off)
I'm trying to figure out supplemental LED lighting. The LEDs will be only for shimmer and color pop since I know for a fact the Sunpower on its own can grow SPS like a champ. I also want some kind of moonlight since the tank is in my living room.
Options for supplemental lighting:
- 2x Orphek OR3 150 Blue Plus (or other LED bar?): I haven't seen these in person. I'm worried the T5 would wash out all the shimmer (heard this complaint in several videos). Supposedly good for coral color? Not adjustable in any way.
- 3x Kessil A360W: Should be plenty of shimmer. Adjustable. I'd build a custom mount to attach in front of the Sunpower and angle these towards center. More expensive. Good off-hours light, moonlight, etc. No clue how this will look in reality against T5.
Any input? Really tough when you can't see a comparable tank first but everyone nearby has gone all LED it seems.