LED vs T5 for 20g nano

ryanb69 · #1 11-03-2011, 10:57 PM

Hey,
I am looking at buying a fixture for my 20g nano, and I have narrowed it down to 2 fixtures:
Vertex Illumilux II LED Fixture - Marino Bianco (24 Inch)
-50/50 Royal Blue(450nm) - White(7000K)

Sunlight Supply New wave T5 fixture with
-2 Korallen-Zucht 24W Coral Light T5 Flourescent Bulbs
-1 Korallen-Zucht 24W Super Blue T5 Flourescent Bulb
-1 Korallen-Zucht 24W Fiji Purple T5 Flourescent Bulb

I am wondering if the LED fixture will provide enough lighting for coral. The T5 setup is approx $60 more , plus the cost of replacing bulbs, but if it will look way better , it is worth it.

What do you think? LED or T5?

sphelps · #2 11-03-2011, 11:06 PM

The LED fixture appears to be only 30W so probably equivalent to a 2x24W T5 fixture so your 4X T5 fixture will likely put out twice the light. So you'll probably need two of those LED fixtures to be comparable.

doch · #3 11-04-2011, 02:34 AM

I'd say grab an Aqua Illuminations Nano. $299 at Red Coral in Edmonton... He'll ship it to you too.

I just noticed... you're running a 24" tank... maybe an AI Sol... $399

Between your choices, I may be biased because I'm making the switch to LED (only because of the bulb swaps with t5's), but I say LED for sure. I do agree with Sphelps... if you go with the Vertex, I'd go with 2. At that point, you're better off to go with the Sol... IMO.

StirCrazy · #4 11-04-2011, 03:23 AM

I would say go with the LED set up. play with the mounting and see if you need to save up for a second or not. the intensity of the LED is much more than T5 so no the T5 is not giving you twice the light, but rather it should have been worded it will possibly give you more coverage. but this also depends on the hight you mount the LEDs.

Steve

fishytime · #5 11-04-2011, 04:11 AM

the sunlight supply new wave isnt the best light for a reef......the reflectors are cheap.....if your gonna go the T5 route, then do a Tek..... fairly cheap and proven.....the AIs were a good recommendation if you go the LED route.....of course you could jump on the ecotech band wagon if you have the $

HaZRaTTy · #6 11-04-2011, 04:45 AM

LED-

Ai - Nano
Ai Sol

The Ai units are great, currently making the switch can't wait. No bulb swaps, Less heat, Less Electricity usage, Controllable Intensity and Colour spectrim. I think this is a very easy choice. IMO

luvthereefer · #7 11-04-2011, 05:41 AM

i have been looking into getting the vertex illuminix II led 24" on a similiar tank as well. I like how they are a modular design and the wireless feature is very cool too.
just my two cents, plus all vertex led fixtures are 20% off at J&L right now!!

ryanb69 · #8 11-04-2011, 05:56 AM

Lots of support for the A I, I was leaning toward the vertex because money is an issue and I can get one for around $220. My tank is 16 inches deep, so I am thinking of trying the one LED, and maybe adding another later? Or are the AI LED fixtures that much better...I do not know if I can afford the 399 + shipping right now----university student!!

ryanb69 · #9 11-04-2011, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvthereefer

i have been looking into getting the vertex illuminix II led 24" on a similiar tank as well. I like how they are a modular design and the wireless feature is very cool too.
just my two cents, plus all vertex led fixtures are 20% off at J&L right now!!

I was looking at that sale too!!

ryanb69 · #10 11-09-2011, 05:31 PM

I ended up going with the LED fixture, it will be arriving in the mail shortly! Exciting!!