Convince me to go LED. Update: CONVINCED!!!!!(Taotronic dimmable)

Upgrading to a 55 gallon in the coming months and I am exploring every option I have, from filtration, skimmer, etc.

Right now, I plan on sticking with T-5 (I have a 6-bulb fixture with LCD timer) on the hook for $170 (replacing bulbs with ATI, so roughly $300).

I know about the long term cost effectiveness (bulbs and energy savings), but how do they stack up in terms of coral growth? Are they better?

I know very little about LED; School me.

P.S. I'm not looking to spend an extraordinary amount of money. I would say $300, maybe $350 max and I would rather not DIY (I wouldn't know what I'm doing and I won't have a canopy). I would also like something that doesn't hang from the ceiling. Does that rule me out?

 

GO LED.(Convinced?)

but seriously

they definitely stack up for coral growth, I have seen more growth in 4 months then in 8 with t5 MH combo.
depending on your coral and dimensions you may be able to pull off a DIY light at that price, but not a fixture. unless you get a chinese one (dont)
LEDs ARE the way of the future, awesome color no more need for chillers, lower power consumption, low upkeep cost, they pay them selves off very fast

 

48" long and 21" tall and I would like to have the option to house anything and everything.

 

Best going the diy route its actually really easy. Or else 2 AI SOLs would be sufficient

 

How much cheaper is diy and would it be dimable?

 

My guess is probably half the price dimmable compared to AI SOLs

 

How many bulbs would I need across the 48?

 

I'd send an email to rapid led they will know better then I will

 

All kinds of decisions read about and make. Driver type, optical degree, light color etc.

Plus, what would you install these onto?

 

Heat skin is what you install it to.