Combining LED and T5 question

kentuckyclowns · 05/30/2012, 12:48 PM

I just read that the "standard" (I know to use that term loosely) of LED lighting is 1 high powered (3 watt) LED per 15-20 square inches of surface area, up to 24 inches of depth.

With that said, I currently am setting up a 75 gallon and plan on having two halves in the tank. The right side SPS and the left side softies and/or LPS. Obviously the two side will "require" different amounts of light and I can't afford to do all 1 kind. I have a 24" heat sink with 36 (18 royal blue and 18 cool white) LEDs on dimmable drivers. I also have a 48" 4 bulb T5 fixture from aquaticlife that will be on the tank. This will give me two T5 bulbs and 36 LEDs over the 24" x 18" section.

Will that be enough or too much light for the SPS side?

As of right now I have a 24" power compact and 2 T5 bulbs over the softie's/LPS side. I might swap the pc bulbs out for a small (8-10) spotlight-type LED fixture to supplement the T5 bulbs.

I love the color combo of the LEDs and T5s, I just hope it's enough. Thanks

djsmallz · 05/31/2012, 08:57 PM

That should be fine, you can always adjust the leds accordingly since its dimmable

05/30/2012, 12:48 PM	#1
kentuckyclowns Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 121	Combining LED and T5 question I just read that the "standard" (I know to use that term loosely) of LED lighting is 1 high powered (3 watt) LED per 15-20 square inches of surface area, up to 24 inches of depth. With that said, I currently am setting up a 75 gallon and plan on having two halves in the tank. The right side SPS and the left side softies and/or LPS. Obviously the two side will "require" different amounts of light and I can't afford to do all 1 kind. I have a 24" heat sink with 36 (18 royal blue and 18 cool white) LEDs on dimmable drivers. I also have a 48" 4 bulb T5 fixture from aquaticlife that will be on the tank. This will give me two T5 bulbs and 36 LEDs over the 24" x 18" section. Will that be enough or too much light for the SPS side? As of right now I have a 24" power compact and 2 T5 bulbs over the softie's/LPS side. I might swap the pc bulbs out for a small (8-10) spotlight-type LED fixture to supplement the T5 bulbs. I love the color combo of the LEDs and T5s, I just hope it's enough. Thanks

05/31/2012, 08:57 PM	#2
djsmallz Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Tampa FL, near Ybor City Posts: 569	That should be fine, you can always adjust the leds accordingly since its dimmable __________________ Upgrading is always possible. Current Tank Info: Dual stacked 40 breeders with sump. Halide/led combo up top T5/led combo on bottom