From LED’s to T5’s

kiMxD · 11/19/2018, 08:52 AM

Hello all,

I am posting this looking for some tips and advice on how to switch from LED to T5.
I am looking to start using T5’s but I have no clue whatsoever on:
1) what fixture to get and where?
2) what size of fixture should I get and where?
3) what bulbs and brand are recommended?
4) placement of the light above the tank?
5) what is the most cost-efficient fixture and light in your opinion?

I would really appreciate any help on this.

My tank info is: 120g 6ftx18(front to back)x21 height.

My budget is limited, so cheaper options are very welcome.

Thank you all!

shred5 · 11/19/2018, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiMxD

Hello all,

I am posting this looking for some tips and advice on how to switch from LED to T5.
I am looking to start using T5’s but I have no clue whatsoever on:
1) what fixture to get and where?
2) what size of fixture should I get and where?
3) what bulbs and brand are recommended?
4) placement of the light above the tank?
5) what is the most cost-efficient fixture and light in your opinion?

I would really appreciate any help on this.

My tank info is: 120g 6ftx18(front to back)x21 height.

My budget is limited, so cheaper options are very welcome.

Thank you all!

What leds do you have? You might be able to get a hybrid fixture where you use your current led fixture which to me is a better and lower priced option. The Aquatic Life's T5HO Hybrid Lighting Fixture is a good fixture.
Best of both worlds.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-hy...atic-life.html

I know this aint a cheap option but most are either running ATI or Giesemann fixtures and truely are worth every penny..
Try the forsale forums they can be had cheaper used. There are not many other t-5 fixtures out there anymore and most ot the others are garbage.
You could go with a hydroponics fixture like the sun blaze but they do not come any longer than 48". You would need more fixtures. you would need three 24" fixtures or a 48" and a 24" fixtures.

Straight up t-5 I would run 6 bulbs for a 18" width.

Uncle99 · 11/19/2018, 12:38 PM

With a limited budget I wonder why from LED, back to T5.
LED is cheaper to buy, to run and last a long time.

I went from T5 to LED because I had to change out the bulbs every 6-9 months, cost a fortune, same with MH (which I love but to expensive and hot).

I grow everything I did before as good or better....never go,back...

jmacias · 11/19/2018, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle99

With a limited budget I wonder why from LED, back to T5.
LED is cheaper to buy, to run and last a long time.

I went from T5 to LED because I had to change out the bulbs every 6-9 months, cost a fortune, same with MH (which I love but to expensive and hot).

I grow everything I did before as good or better....never go,back...

What leds are you running?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Uncle99 · 11/19/2018, 02:03 PM

VISPARSPECTRA 165w x 2
Each was 150, CDN and delivered by Amazon.
Very happy
I seen someone in US get it for 104 USD

reefster828 · 11/19/2018, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle99

VISPARSPECTRA 165w x 2
Each was 150, CDN and delivered by Amazon.
Very happy
I seen someone in US get it for 104 USD

What’s wrong with them and why are you wanting to move away from them? I was just about to buy a set of the 300’s for my 125.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mcgyvr · 11/19/2018, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefster828

What’s wrong with them and why are you wanting to move away from them? I was just about to buy a set of the 300’s for my 125.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dont confuse uncle with the original poster..

kiMxD · 11/20/2018, 03:45 AM

I just think that for my size tank, the T5 will be less expensive short term, I know that long term they will turn out more expensive, but that is what I can afford with my current budget. I currently run three ATI Primes HD but I do not have any corals in it, will add after I decide on my lightening fixture.

Here is what I am considering buying: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60-at...t-fixture.html

Thoughts ?

RobZilla04 · 11/20/2018, 07:24 AM

Use both for a hybrid setup. The LET T5 supplement kits are great if you have a canopy to install them into. Two bulb is just fine, or four bulb setup if your LED housing is small enough.

Which LED fixture(s) do you have currently?

nereefpat · 11/20/2018, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiMxD

I just think that for my size tank, the T5 will be less expensive short term, I know that long term they will turn out more expensive, but that is what I can afford with my current budget. I currently run three ATI Primes HD but I do not have any corals in it, will add after I decide on my lightening fixture.

Here is what I am considering buying: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60-at...t-fixture.html

Thoughts ?

The fixture in your link will be a really nice T5 unit. I would get the 6 bulb unit for your 18" wide tank.

kiMxD · 11/20/2018, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nereefpat

The fixture in your link will be a really nice T5 unit. I would get the 6 bulb unit for your 18" wide tank.

That’s exactly what I am thinking, the 6 bulb unit should be enough by itself, right?

nereefpat · 11/20/2018, 09:05 AM

Definitely.

kiMxD · 11/20/2018, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nereefpat

Definitely.

Thank you buddy!

11/19/2018, 08:52 AM	#1
kiMxD Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 149	From LED’s to T5’s Hello all, I am posting this looking for some tips and advice on how to switch from LED to T5. I am looking to start using T5’s but I have no clue whatsoever on: 1) what fixture to get and where? 2) what size of fixture should I get and where? 3) what bulbs and brand are recommended? 4) placement of the light above the tank? 5) what is the most cost-efficient fixture and light in your opinion? I would really appreciate any help on this. My tank info is: 120g 6ftx18(front to back)x21 height. My budget is limited, so cheaper options are very welcome. Thank you all!

11/20/2018, 07:24 AM	#9
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Use both for a hybrid setup. The LET T5 supplement kits are great if you have a canopy to install them into. Two bulb is just fine, or four bulb setup if your LED housing is small enough. Which LED fixture(s) do you have currently? __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

11/20/2018, 09:05 AM	#12
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Definitely. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

11/19/2018, 12:38 PM	#3
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	With a limited budget I wonder why from LED, back to T5. LED is cheaper to buy, to run and last a long time. I went from T5 to LED because I had to change out the bulbs every 6-9 months, cost a fortune, same with MH (which I love but to expensive and hot). I grow everything I did before as good or better....never go,back...

11/19/2018, 02:03 PM	#5
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	VISPARSPECTRA 165w x 2 Each was 150, CDN and delivered by Amazon. Very happy I seen someone in US get it for 104 USD

11/20/2018, 03:45 AM	#8
kiMxD Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 149	I just think that for my size tank, the T5 will be less expensive short term, I know that long term they will turn out more expensive, but that is what I can afford with my current budget. I currently run three ATI Primes HD but I do not have any corals in it, will add after I decide on my lightening fixture. Here is what I am considering buying: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60-at...t-fixture.html Thoughts ?