MH with LED

[duke1231]

What do you guys think of running MH lights with those LED strip? Since some of the MH fixtures do not come with actinics. I am trying to keep it cheap here. Also on a side note, can you keep any kind of acro's with T5's?

[mike_777]

Depending on which led strip you are talking about, you may not get the results desired if looking for actinic supplementation. They are just not bright enough to make a difference. Unless of course they of the 'solaris' led type

As far as T5s and acros, I did see this one amazing tank that I believe was in Europe somewhere. Amazing colors! If I find the link, I'll be sure to post it. I think your results will vary depending on how you set it up. I do know individual reflectors are a must for the T5HO instead of the umbrella like reflector.

[duke1231]

I think I will be going with metal halide. I heard that the shimmering effects of the LED are really cool, so I was going to get a T5 and use LED for the MH shimmering effect.

[mike_777]

Metal halide will give you the shimmering effect as well with some surface agitation. That's one of the nice pros of having one

[duke1231]

Do I really need actinics in my tank?

[CarmieJo]

Actinics are for you and not so much for the critters we keep. Our eye likes the pretty blue color.

[duke1231]

I just thought it would help simulate natural dawn and dusk.

[CarmieJo]

They can be used to simulate dawn/dusk and that is "natural". But, they don't make much if any difference in PUR and that is what the corals need for photosynthesis.

The little LED's that come with lights are used for moon lights. They are not the same as the ones the Solaris uses.

[duke1231]

If I am going to keep sps, and wanted to use T5's what would be the watt's that I would want?

[mike_777]

Well the 4 foot bulbs are 54 watts a piece. My suggestion would be to fit as many as you can over the tank Make sure to get the individual reflectors and you will be happy. What size tank will this be on and how deep? Too deep you may lack the 'punch'.