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LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 1:43 pm
by 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.
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 2:29 pm
by 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.
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 3:46 pm
by dawnfox9
luminix wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 1:43 pm
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.
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 4:50 pm
by 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.
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 6:48 pm
by sandfly
T5s are old-school reliable, but LEDs save power. My Duncan's stretching like crazy under cheap Amazon LEDs, though. Weird vibe, right?
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 7:54 pm
by luminix
Thanks for the tips. Gonna try adding two T5s to my current LED rig and see if that cuts it.
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 9:10 pm
by rivulet
dawnfox9 wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 3:46 pm
luminix wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 1:43 pm
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.
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 10:45 pm
by 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.
Re: LED vs T5 for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 11:01 pm
by dawnfox9
sandfly wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 6:48 pm
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.