:sigh:
i am loving my t5's right now. I've tried all lighting systems, and t5s were my last effort, and it seems that for my tastes, the last choice was my best choice.
i am running the t5 6x54w ATI Sunpower, but not the dimmable model.
I guess it is comparable to LEDs that have multiple colors in them- not just blue and white.
I have a purple and blue looking going on right now. I really like it. It's like....17k with purple tinge.
The bulbs on my schedule will last me about a year if not more. And are about $20 to replace per year.
I would have needed 2 LED units for my 4' tank. That would have run me over $800 at the cheapest but popular (good ratings) LED unit plus some to customize color and lenses.
I bought my t5 straight from reef geek at a nice low price deal and it would take me over 5 years to catch up to the cost of LEDs compared to the purchase of the t5 system and bulbs each year.
Also, I have the apex jr so using 2 light channels (the ati fixture has 2 bulbs on one then 4 bulbs on the other) i can program blues in the dusk/dawn and have the brighter whites/colors come on midday. Other features like storms, etc i really do not care about.
But if you went with the dimmable T5 unit, you could still get something like that i guess.
Of course, the t5s will need to be unmounted at least 1 x per year if not more to cycle bulbs, and for routine cleaning of the fans and the acrylic shield. But, that would take 10 min if that and the fixture is wicked light.