Which T5/LED Hybrid System To Chose

[evo187]

Coming back into reefing after a 4 year lay off, but have been in the hobby for 15 years on and off. I am planning a new Waterbox 130.4 SPS dominant tank and I'm bouncing between two light set ups. Hopefully you guys can give me some input.

Over the years I have had the best luck with T5s and was able to grow some SPS successfully. I have dabbled in LEDs on two nano tanks (Kessil 360 and AI Prime) with ok results at best. This will be my first heavy SPS tank so I am trying to make it as foolproof as possible.


Option 1 - Less expensive / Plug it in and leave it

ATI 48" 8x54 Sunpower
Reef Brite 48" Actinic XHO Fixture


Option 2 - More expensive / LED learning curve

Aquatic Life 48" Hybrid with 4-ATI bulbs
(3) Kessil 360W-E

 

[Hemmdog]

I have option 2, if I could go back in time I’d do option 1.

 

[evo187]

I am thinking I'll go with option 1 since it is closest to what I have had success with in the past.

I almost went with the 2 AI twentsix lights in their plus package since it is the cheapest option but I'm not sure 2 units would be enough to keep sps happy. I may do some more research before pulling the trigger on the LEDs and settings.

 

[dantimdad]

Option 3 wait a few months.

New products coming out soon.

Just FYI

 

[Hemmdog]

I am thinking I'll go with option 1 since it is closest to what I have had success with in the past.

I almost went with the 2 AI twentsix lights in their plus package since it is the cheapest option but I'm not sure 2 units would be enough to keep sps happy. I may do some more research before pulling the trigger on the LEDs and settings.

If your looking for high par a hybrid with reefbreeders 48’ gets 800 par. I think that’s more than an 8 bulb t5 gives.

 

[Hemmdog]

Option 3 wait a few months.

New products coming out soon.

Just FYI

Like what?

 

[evo187]

Option 3 wait a few months.

New products coming out soon.

Just FYI

I am in no hurry so that is definitely a option!

 

[dantimdad]

Watch MACNA. That is all I can say right now.

 

[Big E]

Option one 100% for Acropora dominant

You want the T5 bulbs in the main center area doing the heavy lifting and the LEDs for supplementing and visual bling.

 

[Seminoles76]

if It were me it would take me .000001 seconds to choose option 1.