LED ? T5 ? MHD ? Lighting

[neogenix]

Hey Guys,

So I'm in the throws of trying to work out what exactly I'd like to start planning for my *next* tank, but I'm having a bit of issue working out exactly what lighting requirements are met by which lighting. I quite like these :

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewit...TFILDTN-UU1111

Would those however compete with MHD? And, lets say I wanted to do a 100 Rimless, what type of lighting would I want to get to do a whole spectrum of corals? Would two of the above LED fixtures cover the requirements?

Would one of these be better?

http://www.marinedepot.com/48_Inch_I...FIT58U-vi.html

Basically, help me understand lighting!!

[txg8gxp]

My opinion on the blue moon led system. Looks very nice, like the mounting design. I'm not sure how good it would be on a PAR level, the fixture is useing outdated 1w emitters. The Ice Cap fixtures look very nice.

[corruption]

I'd agree with Stephen on the Blue Moon fixture... LED's are fantastic, but there is a huge difference in quality/quantity of light from different emitters... The Ice Cap fixture is fantastic, I've got the same one on my 75 gallon at home -- but its a beast. It weighs almost 55 lbs, and adds quite a bit of heat. LED's at the moment are still being best served by the DIY folks out there (I'm sure you've come and checked out my tank at work ), at least state-side. Theres some quality commercial fixtures around the corner, but they're just not available yet... but if you have a knack for doing some self-built work, LED's are fantastic

If you're willing to spend a little bit more, the AquaIlluminations fixtures are quite nice as well:

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/mer...uaIllumination

-Justin

[FireWater]

As Steve and Justin said - led's are coming. There is plenty of info out there to diy a project. I have been trying to read up and looking forward to helping with a redo of the led lights on my Finnex. I will possibly add some led fixture to supplement light on my 90g when it gets back up and running.

With that said, I have been extremely happy with t-5 lighting. I ran a nova extreme on my 90g - 6X54 bulbs. There are so many combos to run to get different colors and the output is fine for what ever you decide to grow. I would not run t-5s for anything on the bottom of a tank more than 25" unless they are low light corals. That is where other light systems beat t-5.
As for t-5 there are several great systems out there. I am currently looking into the Tek elite and ATI sunpower as an upgrade to my current fixture.