T5's and LED?

[Wbflyer]

Hello all,

I am currently using the Viperspar 165 and for the past year or more it has done ok. birds nest is growing and most corals are showing growth. However, I have been thinking about going to T5's and LED since I have heard T5's do really well for SPS and LPS. I also have a Current Marine LED light rated at around 50 watts that I could use in conjunction with the T5's.

1. what are your thoughts on T5 and LEDs?
2. My tanks is 16 X 36. Should I get a 36" fixture or the 24" fixture. My worry is the the 36" dimensions will be longer than the tank.

Thanks!

 

[GoVols]

Welp

Go with a 36" with the right depth to match your 16"

T5s help with front to back light spread in conjunction with leds in the middle

Right now ATI is running 20% off until the 15th.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brands/ati-lighting.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/36-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/36-led-t5-wifi-powermodule-hybrid-ati.html
Just tossing it on the table

 

[Phildago]

Get a 36 inch for sure.

I had 4 t5 with led hybrid on my 40 b. And it just wasn't enough. 36 would have been better and 6 bulbs at 36 inch would've been ideal.

I recently switched back to led only, and it's way better. I DIY my lights, so I went with overkill in the leds. I have excellent coverage now and and easily customizable spectrum that looks great. I would recommend this over t5s but it's not doable for everybody.

My second recommendation would be doing an 8 bulb t5 only if you could fit it. The space would be tight, but 2 inches is doable. There's no need for leds with t5s. The t5 alone are great, the only issue with them is the bulb replacement every 14 months.