LED vs T5

I currently have two 18 inch t8's that came with the tank from a friend. The bulbs are old and I want to have something better. I was looking at the Marineland ML Double Bright LED Light, 36-Inch to 48-Inch. Is this as good as a 4-8 bulb t5? I currently only have a couple damsels, and wanna do a light upgrade before I venture out to get more fish or some corals. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I'd say the Marineland Double Bright LED does not come close to a 4 bulb T5HO. But if you're talking T5 Normal Output then maybe.

 

You are really hitting on a topic that almost has no answer. I think it is -theplantedtank.com- continually has the topic of LIGHTs. From what I can understand T-5s, then T-5HO (very hot and use more watts than others)are what most folks use for planted tanks. LEDs are in the infant stage but have the advantage of longevity and least power usage, but brightness and "aiming" are still problems. DrFosterandSmith.com are having a pretty good sale on the Current Satellite Freshwater LED+ for an excellent price-----


I'm going to try the above light. I'll try to post my experience.
Here's the link to light forum----

 

Had one, junk Imo. Look at led lights aquatraders or reefkeepers. Also get a 48" light. I started with a 36 and wasn't happy.

 

I've had similar questions about LED lights versus traditional metal halide/fluorescent light fixtures, and what I've been able to gleam, LEDs haven't gotten to the point where they can be compared favorably to older solutions. LEDs have a very narrow color spectrum compared to traditional bulbs, and don't put out much 'penetrating' light (lumens/LUX). I'm having an issue with brown diatoms in my 20G L because my Marineland hidden LED light just isn't putting out enough light to keep it at bay. Some of the higher-quality 'reef-rated' LED lights are prohibitively expensive as well, and although they don't use as much power or put out as much heat, the initial investment can be pretty daunting.

 

LED is fine in most situations. Just avoid the cheap commercially available ones because the led lights are like .2 watts each, you need 1 or 3 watt lights to penetrate the water. Look at the companies in my above post, they aren't as cost prohibitive as you might think

 

Hi, welcome to Fishlore

Ahhh, the topic of lighting technology and marine..... It's a topic that many will debate for a long time to come.

The first thing to consider is the type of tank - in a FO/FOWLR setup, the lighting is not as important as it would be for a reef tank. And then for a reef, it's a matter of what corals you are keeping, and their lighting requirements.

Here's my take:
Metal Halide (MH) - still considered by many as the best lighting for a reef tank; but they are expensive both in initial costs, and replacing the tube/globe every 9 months. MH also run very hot, and can not only heat the tank, but also the room.

T8/T5NO - fine for a FO/FOWLR, but I wouldn't use them on a reef. They don't penetrate deep enough IMO

T5HO - A great 'affordable' lighting solution. For a FO/FOWLR, two tubes are generally sufficient, one white, one actinic for effect. For a reef, 4 tubes minimum IMO, 6 tubes if keeping SPS and anemones. Two white (10000k and 18000k for variation, on deeper tanks >20", two 18000k) plus two actinic. You still have to replace the tubes every 9-12 months. T5HO are cheaper than MH, but don't give the great shimmer effect of MH.

LED - my favourite. Technology has come a long way in reef lighting. They use less power, emit less heat, and can give the shimmer effect that is highly desired. Too LED can be dimmable, to give a sunrise/sunset effect. Up to 12" deep, 1W diodes are generally sufficient, above 12", 3W diodes. There are many diode manufacturers out there, and CREE are the most reputed and well regarded in reef keeping. There are many spectrums of diode now, and combined with the optics available, replicating the sun is getting quite good. You also don't need to replace diodes either, so there is a higher upfront cost, but you claw that back by not having to replace tubes.

I love my LED setup

If you're into DIY, there are many options to build a LED fixture, or go to places like build my LED

 

Thank you all. I have decided against the LED. I have a 4 bulb t5HO and and 8 bulb t5HO. I live in CO and pulled them out of an old grow. Gonna start with the 4 bulb, just bought an atinic, and use the other 3 white bulbs for now. Thanks again everyone!!!