T5s in 2025 (almost 2026)

[Kodski]

I think Ryan and BRS had more pull than anyone else may ever have again. But panel lights were already being made before their studies. They just proved they were superior and they sold better. Even then people are still buying spotlight style lights like crazy. AI Prime and Kessil as 2 examples.

They weren’t asking for technology that didn’t exist though. LEDs can not replicate halides or T5s 1:1. I doubt we ever see that as the technology and light produced is just not the same.

Either way, it would be cool to watch and see what happens

I do agree that Ryan and BRS definitely had more pull than a single one of us will ever have. I also agree that the industry didn't create a new technology, it just adapted the way it used the existing technology. What I do not agree with though is how you view the shift in the industry. Yes people are still buying spotlight style lights, however, they are utilizing them in a different way now. Instead of just two or three over a tank, they are now using more to create a more even spread of light. If they are not doing that, you'll find reefers using more and more bar style LED's, which in turn birthed the AI blade lights. Consumer power is no joke and we 100% influence the manufactures to develop and sell products that fit what we are looking for. What do the consumers base their buying decisions off of? Common community knowledge, not all that much different from your Ultimate Salt Test. (I love your test btw and what to throw in a thank you for taking your time and money to conduct such a test. I hope in the future to myself run some scientific tests related to reefing) I think you'd be wrong to say that your test had no influence what so ever on salt sales and how each brand is viewed in the eyes of the community. So I do believe that one test and one voice can influence the hobby enough to grab the attention of the industry leaders.

Either way, yes I agree that it is a very interesting conversation and topic. I'm excited to see where this leads us within the hobby.

 

[Rcfiftyone]

Heres the finished product. If this setup dosent give me enough PAR to cook some acros I give up!

 

[MICHIGANRV]

Check out the quanta helix light bars they are similar to the orphek bars i have both the quanta seems to have a bit better spread and even mix of color. The orpheks blue plus are more blue windex color. The quanta are a little more purple.

Quanta Helix are air cooled and not recommended for u ventilated canopies. So add ventilation if you go that route.

 

[mcarroll]

I'm curious (now that you can compare them all) why not just more Kessils?

 

[afboundguy]

I haven't used T5s since 2011'ish when I downsized from a 55 gallon to 25 gallon but I'm planing a 200+ gallon dream tank and will be adding T5s with Photon V2+ LED lights. I'm hoping to swap out my 35 cube (20*20*20) to a 60 cube (24*24*24) and would love to add some 24" T5 bulbs! To me nothing beat the look and PAR from an ATI Blue+ bulb!

 

[Rcfiftyone]

I'm curious (now that you can compare them all) why not just more Kessils?

In my opinion/ experience each light type has its strengths and weaknesses. T5s help a lot with shading for instance.