Is there a benefit of using LEDs AND T5s??

[twiddledog]

I am ready ( i think) to make the switch from MH and T5 combo to LEDs. I am wondering if there is a benefit to keeping my T5s (4 bulbs) along with the LEDs. Most likely going with Radions.

Any thoughts?

 

[THE WOOKIE]

ditch the t-5s no need for them with radions. they are one hell of a light

 

[HuuTa]

keep the t5 with the radion.my corals does better with the t5 after i add it to my radion.It add some spectrum that the radion imo is missing.The radion does good by itself but great with t5 for suppliment

 

[higorc]

Can't personally speak for Radions. But I am in the process of adding ATI Purple Plus and Actinic T5s to my AI Sols. In theory this should give me the 420nm, UV, greens and reds missing spectrum. Should have it done by the weekend.

Don't get me wrong I love my LEDs, I think they just need a little "tune-up". The AIs work great with all my LPS and softies but I have noticed some of my SPS don't have the color they should or have changed colors a bit. Like I said, "some SPS". Not all. But enough to bother me.

I was going to supplement the missing spectrum with DIY LEDs. But decided to go with T5s after reading posts from reefers with good results from it. Cheaper and easier.

I will wait a little longer until I dish out a lot of money on any new "Full Spectrum" LED lighting system. I feel that I shouldn't have to buy any "pods", color upgrades or have any doubts whether they are the right spectrum for this or that coral. I am doing that now already with the AIs as it is.

So to summarize, YES. I do think it would be beneficial to supplement with T5s. Just pick the right bulbs so you are adding the current "missing spectrum" from your LEDs and not just doubling up on the spectrums your LEDs are already putting out.

Higor

 

[THE WOOKIE]

i am considering adding 2 t-5 bulbs to my lights. currently i have 2 Chinese led fixtures the blues are 20k and whites are 14k. think i should add something like a ATI coral plus or a geissman midday to get some more red and yellow in there?

 

[banshee1]

I've had good luck with just the radion.no t5 supplement.however I mainly got the radion to save energy and not have to buy new bulbs every 6 months.I do run t5 on the lionfish tank though

 

[higorc]

i am considering adding 2 t-5 bulbs to my lights. currently i have 2 Chinese led fixtures the blues are 20k and whites are 14k. think i should add something like a ATI coral plus or a geissman midday to get some more red and yellow in there?

I just finished installing the ATI Actinic and Purple Plus T5s last night. I think even though the Purple Plus seems to have the right spectrum I am missing the tank color is a little too red/purple for my taste.

I will try the ATI Coral Plus and see if I like it better. They both seem to be pretty close according to theis spectrum graph.

 

[higorc]

Got to love LEDs... I decided to play around with the Blue and Royal Blue LED's intensity and I was able to dial in the perfect color combo...I guess I will be keeping the ATI Purple Plus and Actinic.

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