LED vs T5 ... Help!!

2018 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by jeffkrol, Apr 21, 2014

cariadsdad

Discussion Starter · Apr 19, 2014 (Edited)

Hi All
having started with a planted tank, then Malawi, then Marine I am returning to a planted aquarium, with fish and inverts

my new tank is a 4x2x2, and will be sumped and with Co2 and ferts

my question related to lighting, there seems to be a ton of informative but sometimes conflicting information/advice around

Having previously had a marine tank, I have a high spec 3ft LED unit - the specs are:
* 240w max
* 99 3w LED's
* 90 degree lens
* Configurable 3,500-14,000k colour temperature
* Full spectrum of violet 420nm to red 660 nm
* Optical lens for maximum coverage
* 2 transmitters & moonlight with digital intensity control 0-100%
* programmable light cycle
* Actinic lighting enhancd with violet wavelength

Also, I have just purchased a 4ft ATI 8x54w programmable unit, about a year old

My question is which would be best for a planted tank, and if it is the ATI unit what mixture of tubes would people recommend to enhance plant growth, and colour of fish/inverts

also i will be having a mix of plants, which require different lighting, i.e greens through to reds etc.

many thanks, any advice much appreciated
Mike

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Hoppy

· #2 · Apr 19, 2014

Lighting suitable for a marine tank will almost always be too much for a planted tank. For example, an 8 tube T5HO light will grossly over light a planted tank, unless you hang it high above the tank, with lots of spill-over. Fortunately that dimmable ATI T5HO light can be dimmed down enough to make it usable on a planted tank. But, running just 4 bulbs will make it much easier to do so - using only every other bulb socket set. I think that would be your best choice, since you already have the light fixture.

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jeffkrol

· #3 · Apr 20, 2014

Hoppy said:
Lighting suitable for a marine tank will almost always be too much for a planted tank. For example, an 8 tube T5HO light will grossly over light a planted tank, unless you hang it high above the tank, with lots of spill-over. Fortunately that dimmable ATI T5HO light can be dimmed down enough to make it usable on a planted tank. But, running just 4 bulbs will make it much easier to do so - using only every other bulb socket set. I think that would be your best choice, since you already have the light fixture.

I think he already has both (correct o/p??)....
Personally you could just flip a coin.. BUT.. I'd prefer the LED and sell the T5 while they still have value..

Some questions though
1)Dimming the t5 vs dimming the LED.. which is more efficient and wastes less power?
2)the LED is short.. how is end coverage going to be? Getting to the ends will require raising the light.. and "naturally" cutting the output a bit..
3)LED channel composition ect.
4)tired of replacing bulbs?
5)Tired of dumping mercury into landfills..(obviously both in their manuf. produce pollution.. just that mercury in our water is sort of a problem)
I AM curious as to the LED manufacture though.. care to add details???

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xmas_one

· #4 · Apr 20, 2014

ATI will be your best bet. Talk to Tom or check out his threads to see what a good tube combo is for the ATI. I know the LED you have and the color is horrid on it.

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goneRogue

· #5 · Apr 20, 2014

For plants you want the spectrum to be between 5500K and 10,000K. Ideally you're starting range would be 6500K to 8000K and then you'd branch out from there if need be. It sounds like your LED fixture is fully adjustable so you should be good to go. The T5 is over kill for sure. Also +1 on selling the T5 now while it still has value.

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cariadsdad

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 20, 2014

Hi All
thanks for the replies ... I had the LED unit via eBay from Germany, seller was 'topledseller' - they were unable to give me any info on PAR

The ATI unit, I also found on eBay (for £75), two tubes not working, but it sounds like that may be ok with regard to 'overkill' and if i use the unit may just keep the 6 going

it may just be a case of trying both for a month each and see how things go .... either way I will keep you updated and post pics of progress

cheers
Mike

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cariadsdad

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 20, 2014

jeffkrol said:
2)the LED is short.. how is end coverage going to be? Getting to the ends will require raising the light.. and "naturally" cutting the output a bit..

my old marine tank wasnt much shorter, about 1/2 foot, width wise, and the LED unit easily covered all areas. I think the optical lens gives better coverage so is able to get to the ends/corners.

cheers
Mike

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jeffkrol

· #8 · Apr 20, 2014

xmas_one said:
ATI will be your best bet. Talk to Tom or check out his threads to see what a good tube combo is for the ATI. I know the LED you have and the color is horrid on it.

Err .their current "flavor' is quite adj (2 channel )as to "color".. No idea if it is the same one though.

301157826306

Not exactly sure what this means though.....

Ratio 30:25 for USA buyer, more Blue

then again this is a possibility..

Neither matches the LED count though....

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cariadsdad

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 21, 2014

Automotive lighting Blue Visual effect lighting Lens flare Gas

Automotive tire Wood Flooring Plant Electronic device

Wood Rectangle Flooring Audio equipment Electronic device

This is the LED unit

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jeffkrol

· #10 · Apr 21, 2014 (Edited)

96 reg.. 3moonlight... do you have the LED channel breakdown?

err never mind.. good enough

Configurable 3,500-14,000k colour temperature
* Full spectrum of violet 420nm to red 660 nm

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cariadsdad

Discussion Starter · #11 · Apr 21, 2014

xmas_one said:
ATI will be your best bet. Talk to Tom or check out his threads to see what a good tube combo is for the ATI. I know the LED you have and the color is horrid on it.

Hi
Who is Tom?

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jeffkrol

· #12 · Apr 21, 2014

cariadsdad said:
Hi
Who is Tom?

Tom Barr.. Doesn't like LED's (mild ribbing) ..

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