Why supplement LEDs with T5s?

[Idoc]

Getting ready to setup my used RapidLED Onyx lights. Reading the forums and I see so many posts of people wanting to supplement their LEDs with T5s. So why go to these ridiculously overpriced LEDs if they still need T5 help for proper coverage? Why not just go with T5s to begin with? Obviously I'm missing something here and need more research into lighting because this isn't passing KISS test, lol.

 

[Caseyoidae]

Even coverage, consistency, less disco effect, less dead spots, less room for operator error as far as playing with percentages on leds. On the other side you have little to no heat with leds, no bulbs to change, smaller and more modern looking fixture hanging over the tank and endless adjustability as far as color blending, output, ramping, even silly things like weather patterns. People combine them to get the best of both worlds. Hope this helps ;)

 

[Rattzreef]

T5s have alot better diffusion in the water than LEDS alone.. less shaded areas means less chance that underside of acros recede due to lack of light.. plus t5s are proven to grow healthy corals.. the question is why not supplement multiple light sources? You'll get the diffusion and light dispersion with the t5s and the shimmer and direct point controllabilty with the LEDS.. I plan on using both in my 40g setup..

 

[Flippers4pups]

I don't have this problem. I have no need to supplement with T5's. Pulled all my lenses long time ago on my modded mars aquas. Excellent color blending and no shadowing.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It's the failing of the single or small emitter led. A large array at the correct height has much less of that problem. The same could be said for a small MH pendant with a small reflector. I own one in the pile in the garage that's basically a spot light.

Spectrally, many feel that some led don't contain all of Nm that coral need or want. You'd need a spectrometer and a LOT of research to prove this.