LED vs. T5?

[MIA 6 3 1]

Hi all, I am new to forum posting but have perused reefland since I started the hobby a few years back. So, given the vast amount of positive information I have seen and read on this forum, I opted to run by a few questions to those who know a whole lot more about the hobby than I. Hopefully this can help out some others with similar questions in the great lighting debate of LED vs T5.

The issue: my fluorescent lighting fixture kicked the bucket today and i am in need of making a decision on a new lighting system ASAP!

The question: In terms of an immediate fixture being needed (No time for a DIY Project here), which fixture would those here go with in my situation? T5 or LED?

After reading the Sanjay article posted earlier, I must say i am leaning towards LED due to the efficiency, low cost of ownership, etc., but is LED really a viable option for the non DIYer? if so, which fixture(s) do I do without breaking the bank? The new Marineland Reef Capable LED is within my budget, but is this fixture worth it? (I noticed it uses 1W LED vs. the standard 3W)

Reef Aquarium Lighting & LED Lights: Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System

Or do I go with time tested T5s? Thanks in advance for all input!

This was intended to be more of assistance to all those interested in deciding between T5 or LED but if it helps, my specific tank is a 46 gallon bow front reef; 36 in long, ~15 in deep, ~18 high, but no corals low in tank except for a few mushrooms

[ECOReef]

I been using T5 for five years before switch to LED. I got two king of the LEDs K91 and K92 from Eco-Lamp last year. Now selling in US call Acan Lighting 101ac and 102ac. Just like you said efficiency, low cost... after using the those LED for more that six months most of my colorfuly coral start lost colors on both LEDs. But the K92 or 102AC are the much better LED. The worst thing is those LED lights all broken in one year.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

I don't think the marine land LEDs are suitable for lps and spas corals. I think I remember reading they made those fixtures for soft corals. How tall is your tank?
LEDs are still pretty new to the game and T5s are tried and true. I'd love to get some 3w LED fixtures but upfront cost and technology that hasn't been time tested is preventing me from doing so. Maybe in a few more years but that's just me.

[MIA 6 3 1]

Thanks for the responses. The tank is ~15" deep with only mushrooms/softies on the very bottom of the tank. Though i was hoping for a cost-effective reef led fixture in the marineland, i agree with you as I just don't think its there yet. But, in light of the fact that I needed to make a move quick, i opted to go with both T5 and LED (ReefBrite) as i didn't feel all LED was adequate. Like you said, T5 is tried and true so i wanted to maintain an element of T5. So far, with the same photoperiod as before, I have not been able to remove all screens (as in window screens between the light and tank to light acclimate the corals) without noticing adverse "burning" affects and its been almost 3 weeks. So i know i've taken a big step up in light intensity in going to my current setup, but now im just hoping these LEDs last as long as advertised..

[vtec si]

I am using two evolution LED kits on my tank and sps and lps are rocking! I dont even turn on the 4 ATI T5 on any more. My tank is 32" deep and yes I have LED on it for 8 month now.

Martin

[Original Fin]

Martin, which models do you have...what did you pay for them?

[vtec si]

I have two 120w 14k LED units. I paid $300ea at the show last year. Here is who I got them from.

LED Lighting : REEFKOI CORALS, SPS, LPS, Zoanthids

Martin

[chavez]

Wow, these LEDS you have look nice but which model is it there are a few evolution options to pick.

[Original Fin]

VTEC Si, you mentioned that your corals are thriving under these fixtures in a 30" deep tank. That's the opposite of what I'd expect based on what I've been reading, so I'm interested in learning more about your tank.
Most people have reported so far that performance at depth is not quite there yet...I've also recently attended a DIY LED build workshop with my local reef club and Rapid LED.com, so there was quite a bit of discussion on this topic. The guys from Rapid LED pretty much validated what most of us have been told already...for deeper tanks, LED is not the best choice yet. They also reminded us that this is a new technology, so there hasn't been much time to study long term performance and effects on coral growth.

I'd like to know more about your tank if you wouldn't mind? Are you growing any corals on the sandbed? If so, what kinds, and how are they doing? What other corals do you have at different levels in the tank?

[vtec si]

Wow, these LEDS you have look nice but which model is it there are a few evolution options to pick.

I have two of the 120W 14k LED kit. here is the unit I have.
Evolution LED Light 120w 1G [14K] : REEFKOI CORALS, SPS, LPS, Zoanthids

[vtec si]

VTEC Si, you mentioned that your corals are thriving under these fixtures in a 30" deep tank. That's the opposite of what I'd expect based on what I've been reading, so I'm interested in learning more about your tank.
Most people have reported so far that performance at depth is not quite there yet...I've also recently attended a DIY LED build workshop with my local reef club and Rapid LED.com, so there was quite a bit of discussion on this topic. The guys from Rapid LED pretty much validated what most of us have been told already...for deeper tanks, LED is not the best choice yet. They also reminded us that this is a new technology, so there hasn't been much time to study long term performance and effects on coral growth.

I'd like to know more about your tank if you wouldn't mind? Are you growing any corals on the sandbed? If so, what kinds, and how are they doing? What other corals do you have at different levels in the tank?

Fin,
I have two units that are 120 watts 14k ea that cover the the "same" 2'x2' area. My tank is 25"x25"x32". Let me say ALL of my sps are in the upper 14"-12" to surfface of the tank. The lps and zoas are from there down. I have a 2" of sand, so top of sand to the water surface is 28" and water surface to light is 2". I have not kept clams "yet" but I do plan on it as I have a friend that has a 300 gallon 30" deep that has four of these same lights and he is keeping clams. I believe that LED have came along way and have a ways to go but I am using them with nice results. However, My growth is slower than it was with 400 watt MH that I had befor. This tank has not ever had MH on it so I do not have a befor and after. I you go to the southern colorado marine club site you will see the tank im talking about The Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society - Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society

Sorry I don't have my tank pic on here but I can not get the insert image thing to work. I also tried to use img tags but that did not work either. I like the old way better.

Martin

[Hipshooter14]

A good led light ranges from 300-800 hundred all depends what your looking at. I have a 2x250 hqi with 4 power compacts in the fixture. They say you should change your bulbs every 6 to 9 months and i just bought new pc and spent 140 bucks and new hqi bulbs are gonna be around 120-160 tax included. So every six to nine months im gonna have to dump around 300 bucks just on bulbs thats what i paid for the fixture. On the other hand you have leds with a 50,000 hour bulb and alot less power consumption plus if you use a chiller you shouldnt have to if you get the leds. I guess what im trying to say is that the smart choice is to drop the money on a good led fixture and not worry about changing bulbs, your tank getting to hot, or having your lights on during peak power consumption hours during the summer cause thats how the power company gets you.

[savvybuckeye7]

has anyone read what the deal is with the led fixtures on ebay for 165 a piece. it seems too good to be true. if anyone has had any experience or knows what the catch is please share..

[Reefing Madness]

has anyone read what the deal is with the led fixtures on ebay for 165 a piece. it seems too good to be true. if anyone has had any experience or knows what the catch is please share..

Gotta throw me a bone here. What LED's would you be refering to? Throw me a link. I'll take a look at em.

[savvybuckeye7]

Gotta throw me a bone here. What LED's would you be refering to? Throw me a link. I'll take a look at em.

they are being sold on amazon and on ebay they are made by taotronics ill supply a couple of links
USA NEW 120 Watt Aquarium Coral Reef LED Grow Light 120W 20k | eBay

Amazon.com: TaoTronics Hot!/Aquarium Coral Reef Tank White Blue LED Lamb Grow Light 120W-provide light that have the same effect as natural sunlight and hence offers plants a very good growing habitat: Patio, Lawn & Garden

[Reefing Madness]

Yup, those will surely work. Don't know about what catch, but there are a few out there going for that $$.

[ShooterRick]

Yup, those will surely work. Don't know about what catch, but there are a few out there going for that $$.

I purchased this unit and will be hanging over a newly cycled 72 bow front this weekend. Notice in the product info when you open it up that they give a PAR comparison to metal halides and notice the hanging distance from the tank. These are 2watt leds 180 watt total with uv emitters also. They timer is designed to handle all three seperate channels the various colors are on independently.

http://www.purelyh2o.com/index.php/h...category_id=61