LED vs T5 for coral growth

[luminix]

Been running LEDs for a year now, but my Acropora aren't thriving like they did under T5s. Anyone else notice slower growth with LEDs? My tank's a 75-gallon mixed reef, parameters are stable, 8.1 dKH, 420 calcium, 0.03 phosphate.

[rivulet]

LEDs can work, but spectrum matters more than intensity. I've had success with a hybrid setup, T5s for spread and LEDs for pop. What's your photoperiod? My SPS exploded after tweaking blues to 10 hours, whites to 6.

[dawnfox9]

Been running LEDs for a year now, but my Acropora aren't thriving like they did under T5s. Anyone else notice slower growth with LEDs? My tank's a 75-gallon mixed reef, parameters are stable, 8.1 dKH, 420 calcium, 0.03 phosphate.

T5s have broader PAR distribution, which Acros love. Try supplementing with T5 actinics if you're committed to LEDs. My 120-gallon runs 4x54W T5s plus two Radions, and the growth's insane.

[Lido]

My Zoas dig LEDs, but yeah, SPS are picky. Maybe crank up the intensity? I run mine at 80% for 12 hours, but my tank's only 40 gallons.

[sandfly]

T5s are old-school reliable, but LEDs save power. My Duncan's stretching like crazy under cheap Amazon LEDs, though. Weird vibe, right?

[luminix]

Thanks for the tips. Gonna try adding two T5s to my current LED rig and see if that cuts it.

[rivulet]

Been running LEDs for a year now, but my Acropora aren't thriving like they did under T5s. Anyone else notice slower growth with LEDs? My tank's a 75-gallon mixed reef, parameters are stable, 8.1 dKH, 420 calcium, 0.03 phosphate.

T5s have broader PAR distribution, which Acros love. Try supplementing with T5 actinics if you're committed to LEDs. My 120-gallon runs 4x54W T5s plus two Radions, and the growth's insane.

Exactly. Also, check your magnesium levels. Below 1300, and Acros won't uptake calcium right, no matter the lights. I dose Tech-M weekly to keep mine at 1350.

[sandfly]

Yo, anyone else's wallet crying over this thread? Hybrid setups sound dope but pricey. My bank account's already sketchy from coral addiction.

[dawnfox9]

T5s are old-school reliable, but LEDs save power. My Duncan's stretching like crazy under cheap Amazon LEDs, though. Weird vibe, right?

True, but bulb replacement every 9-12 months adds up. LEDs last years with proper care. Balance upfront cost vs long-term savings.