Out of these LED and T5 lights, what would you pick for a 40-50 Gal setup?

[arminkropp]

I'm stuck on deciding for a couple reasons. I liked LED's because of their low energy draw and the temps they run at. Only thing I wonder about is that I've read that the color spectrum does change after a couple years and they need to be replaced. Anyone else hear about this? Other issue is that they may be too bright buy 2 of the models listed below have dimming control.

I like the T5 HO's because of price and the last model listed even comes with a built in timer. I could also replicate sunrise, daytime, sunset and night better as opposed to the LED's which will just turn on at 100% when on a timer. Other advantage is that if anything breaks, parts are east to come by for me. I know bulbs will need to get changed every year so the yearly price is more, and power consumption will be 2-3 times as much as the LED's

What would you buy for a 40-50 Gal setup if it was you and to have the option for LPS and SPS down the road? Thanks for Any input!

So here are the contenders:

TaoTronics TT-AL03 Aquarium Coral Reef Tank Panel LED 141 Watt Amazon.com: TaoTronics TT-AL03 Aquarium Coral Reef Tank Panel LED Grow Light (141W Output, Blue/White Ratio- 24:24; Two-Year Warranty): Patio, Lawn & Garden

TaoTronics TT-AL09 Dimmable Aquarium Coral Reef LED 120 Watt
Amazon.com: TaoTronics TT-AL09 Dimmable Aquarium Coral Reef LED Grow Light (120W Output, Blue/White Ratio- 28:27; Two-Year Warranty): Pet Supplies

Reefbreeders 120 watt Bridgelux Value LED Fixture
reefbreeders

And Finally a couple T5 HO options:

Aquarium Light 48" 216 Watt T5
Aquarium Light 48" 216 Watt T5 Aqua Lighting Fixture Reef Fish Tank Salt Water | eBay

Aquarium Light 48" 324 Watt T5
Amazon.com: Aquarium Light 48" 324w T5 Hohood LCD Timer Coral Reef 6x54 Fluorescent Actinic: Pet Supplies

 

[MaiTank]

What length are the reefbreeders? Might be some dark areas to the side. I would get buildmyled.com reef custom. $279 at 75 degree. I am getting two of those one at 75 and one at 45 I think for my 100 gallon.

 

[arminkropp]

I guess I should have mentioned I'm trying to stay under $200

Thanks Mai, I'll have to check those out

 

[arminkropp]

Oh by the way the reefbreeders is 17 inches with 90• of coverage

 

[arminkropp]

Has anybody here had any of these? Are there any negative side effect to the LED's starting at 100% brightness on corals etc. I cant be there to gradually increase brightness on start up in the mornings.