Use of separate led and T5 lighting fixture on reef tank

[Brad Miller]

So....I have a standard 55 gallon and started off with softies and easy stuff.
Gradually acquired some LPS and am now ready to put in SPS coral.
I currently have a 48", Current, Orbit-IC, Loop, reef light and run a lighting schedule that gradually turns blue at night and same for ramp up in the morning.

I knew that I would be upgrading for SPS later on and have been researching.

Problem, I really like the orbit LED and run my pumps off it too.
I would like to keep this setup and maybe just add a simple T5 fixture that rest on the top of the tank with this Orbit.

Without too much technical jargon, can others give some feed back on this idea?
I know I should just by a hybrid, but they are ridiculously overpriced.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I ran a current (non pro) on a standard 55 g with t5s.
Best growth ever.

I found a used retrofit kit locally.

I used four , you could use 2.

 

[Jacked Reefer]

You could do a retrofit kit. There is a 48 inch one on marine depot for one hundred.

 

[Brad Miller]

Nice feedback, I was going to get 1- double bulb for now and see how that does.
https://www.f3images.com/IMD/UserManuals/ES08600.pdf
I believe it even has a cooling fan on the 48"

 

[Reefbuds]

I use a current orbit 48" on my 55g as well. I also run a 36" t5 with ati coral plus and ati blue plus. The combo is great, I put my current in the front and fit the t5 behind it . A bit cramped but the lighting is awsome. The t5 fixture is left over from my 46g bowfront, otherwise I would run a 48"t5 2 bulb. The 36" works just fine tho.

 

[Brad Miller]

My wife (budget) and coral will both be happen then, thanks guys !

 

[Brad Miller]

Update for those that may be struggling with the same thing on lights....
I really didnt want to go so cheap that the top of my tank was cluttered and I would not even be able to feed or clean without taking a light off, so I continued looking for something that I could fit over my 55 gallon and have little spillage, keeping in mind, fit, price, bank for the buck, well made, no negative reviews, grow soft, Lps & Sps coral.

Below is a link with what I ordered last night, (Came with your choice of bulbs too)
https://hamiltontechnology.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=80