LED vs T5HO Reef Lighting
LED vs T5HO reef lighting comparison. PAR coverage, color spectrum, cost over 5 years, dimming, controllability, and which coral types each lights best.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | LED | T5HO fluorescent | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-year total cost | $400-1,500 | $600-1,200 (bulb replacements) | LED |
| Bulb life | 5-10 years | 10-12 months (degrades) | LED |
| PAR uniformity | Hot spots + shadow gaps | Uniform across length | T5 |
| Color rendering | Discrete chip spectrum | Continuous spectrum (best for color pop) | T5 |
| Dimming | Built-in, programmable | Add-on dimmer ($120) | LED |
| Sunrise/sunset ramps | Programmable | On/off only (without dimmer) | LED |
| Heat output | 20-50W heat | 60-100W heat | LED |
| Coral coloration | Punchy fluorescence | Best overall pop | T5 |
| SPS growth | Excellent (250-450 PAR) | Excellent + uniform | Tied |
| LPS + soft growth | Excellent | Excellent | Tied |
| Initial cost (4ft fixture) | $300-1,200 | $200-450 | T5 |
Frequently asked
Can LEDs grow SPS as well as T5?
Yes - modern reef LEDs (AI Hydra 32HD, EcoTech Radion XR15/XR30) grow SPS to the highest standard. Genetic potential is met, color is excellent. The argument is mostly settled.
Why do reefers run T5 + LED hybrid?
T5 fills shadows + adds spectrum continuity that improves coloration. LED provides programmability + intensity. Hybrid fixtures (Aquatic Life Hybrid, Giesemann Spectrum) capture both benefits.
How long do LED reef lights last?
5-10 years for the LED chips themselves. Drivers + cooling fans typically need replacement at year 5-7. Fixtures are not "set it and forget" - replace fans every 3 years to prevent overheating.
What about T5 only - is it outdated?
Not at all. T5 fixtures from ATI + Giesemann remain the gold standard for color rendering. Many top SPS reefers swear by them. Upfront cost is lower; bulb replacement cost adds up over 5+ years.
Related
All decision comparisons · Q&A library · Calculators · Interactive tools · Glossary