Lighting Input

[runningwild24]

So, I have a 90 gallon (starting) reef tank with a 48 inch T5 actininc and 10k 54 watt bulb. My question is what type of light would you recomend for corals for a reasonable price? (growth and color) I don't feel like what I have is best.
In my frag tank I have a 12 watt LED, which seems to be working pretty well. So, I'm wondering if I should get a 48" LED for my show tank, or I've heard about Hallides too. What do you guys think? Thanks!!

 

[CRW Reef]

First establish your budget. I would decide if you want savings now or spread across multiple years. If it were me I would look at either higher t5 bulb count light or led. Or......best of both worlds doing like a 4 bulb t5 and a slim led strip or 2. I know reefkoi or ambrosio aquatics can def help you out with the LEDs ans I'm certain another sponsor's or 5 on here could help you get a T5 setup or there is always CL.

Hope this helps but again just my opinion

 

[ReefCheif]

Im getting ready to switch from halides/t5 combo to LEDs. Halides are expensive to properly maintain, run extremely hot and run your excel bill through the roof. Although the coral loves em, they will love the ai sols even more.

 

[Dbarnes]

I bought 1k worth of AI sol blues over a year ago and they have terrible growth in comparison to the halides I use to have, I am in the process of switching back to halides, and I'm not the only one on here with that experience. In my opinion LEDs are not developed enough yet, however I would not argue that some individuals on here like chad, and Craig have great tanks under them, I just feel that the halides and t-5s are still far better for reef tanks, then use stunner strips so you can get the colors to pop like the LEDs

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

 

[ReefCheif]

Interesting. Ill be sure to hold onto my halide set up for a while just in case.