Age old debate, what lighting...

diablo243

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Ok so on my 90DT I'm running a coral life 6 bulb T5 fixture. It's stock bulbs and while I like the fixture and have had decent luck with it I feel it's time for new bulbs to really get the kick I need to accelerate growth. At around $150 for the 6 ATI bulbs I would want and the need to replace every 6mths or so to stay optimal, an I better off just nightingale the billet and going $500 for a nice Reefbreeders LED light? $500 is near the cap of what I want to spend and my frag tank running an older RB Photon light does 1000 times better than my 90 does, but as a matter of cost and running rate, where am I am going to get the best growth for the buck? Also If anyone has anything for sale that would fit the bill let me know.

Thanks
 

saltyfilmfolks

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have you considered a hybrid? its what all the cool kids are doing.
either a strip or the t5 led retro.
 

captc07

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We run an 8 bulb tek fixture with 2 48" rapid led actinic blue strips and love the look/growth. better bulbs will definitely make a difference. the brs group buy is a great time to buy those bulbs.
 

ca1ore

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I switched over to LED only about 2 years ago (after having been a dyed-in-the-wool MH guy for over 20 years) and haven't looked back I'd stack my tank up against all comers. I run a combination of reefbreeders (the V1 photon models) and Kessil.
 

Kvinal

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IMG_1480536797.718186.jpg
 
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diablo243

diablo243

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Thanks everyone for feedback, I ended up getting a great deal on a V1 48" Photon second hand so will be giving that a go. Kevin I may still take you up on that deal if it's around and are T5 to the LED. My frag tank is thriving with a 24" V1 Photon running at 32% max so hoping to get similar results with it on main display.
 

Vaiodude

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I also prefer the T5 Led supplement combo for a balance of growth and color pop.
 

Making themselves at home: Have you intentionally done anything in your aquarium to enhance the natural behavior of your fish?

  • I planned my tank to encourage natural fish behavior.

    Votes: 16 28.6%
  • I did some things to encourage natural fish behavior.

    Votes: 21 37.5%
  • Anything that encourages natural fish behavior was a byproduct of the aquascaping.

    Votes: 12 21.4%
  • I did not do anything to encourage natural fish behavior.

    Votes: 5 8.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 2 3.6%

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