As the title states... $700-800 is the max I'm willing to spend, and I wouldn't be opposed to multiple fixtures. One thing I'm thinking about is a nice 23" LED fixture in the middle with a 36" 2 bulb T5 fixture across the front or back for LPS/zoas not under the LEDs/actinic supp/morning and evening. Other options would be two decent ~$300-400 LED fixtures side by side, or an all-in-one 36" T5 6 bulb or T5/MH combo. If I go with T5, I'd be using a combo of ATI/KZ/geis bulbs.
I plan on keeping mostly Zoas and LPS, with a few montiporas higher up (Superman and Chili Pepper montis are what I have now) but would like the option to add an acro colony or two later on without things being too bright for my zoas/chalices/acans.
I'm also open to doing DIY LED but don't really know much about it, but if it's easy enough, I'm up for it.. I don't mind putting in the work as long as it's a beginner friendly process, never soldered before or anything.
Here's what I've gathered so far-
T5 6 bulb
Pros- Color customization
Cons- PAR at the tank bottom
MH/T5 combo
Pros- customization, sufficient PAR
Cons- Heat, Power consumption, initial price/replacement bulbs
LED
Pros- Visual clarity, great "pop," power consumption
Cons- initial price
If you had the choice, what fixture would you choose and why? If you prefer a brand, name it.
EDIT- I'm guessing this belongs in equipment and lighting, doesn't matter to me but if a mod wants it there, go for it.
I plan on keeping mostly Zoas and LPS, with a few montiporas higher up (Superman and Chili Pepper montis are what I have now) but would like the option to add an acro colony or two later on without things being too bright for my zoas/chalices/acans.
I'm also open to doing DIY LED but don't really know much about it, but if it's easy enough, I'm up for it.. I don't mind putting in the work as long as it's a beginner friendly process, never soldered before or anything.
Here's what I've gathered so far-
T5 6 bulb
Pros- Color customization
Cons- PAR at the tank bottom
MH/T5 combo
Pros- customization, sufficient PAR
Cons- Heat, Power consumption, initial price/replacement bulbs
LED
Pros- Visual clarity, great "pop," power consumption
Cons- initial price
If you had the choice, what fixture would you choose and why? If you prefer a brand, name it.
EDIT- I'm guessing this belongs in equipment and lighting, doesn't matter to me but if a mod wants it there, go for it.
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