Completely understandable. This hobby can be very expensive haha. The cost of the galaxyhydro was about 100 off Amazon while the sbreef light is around 120 or 130 I can't remember. I did get a chance to open up the galaxy hydro and everything did seem built and put together fairly well. I am not an expert on electrical work however.
When I compare that to the sbreef light I can notice the difference in the quality and also in the light that is produced. You will get more pinkish purple with the galaxy hydro. Also the diffusion of the light doesn't seem to be as great when compared to the sbreef. I noticed that I could see where the red led would show on my rock if I looked close enough.
You can grow corals with any source of lighting that is available now a days. I prefer t5 because i am not very good with trying to figure out the correct spectrum for everything. My corals look noticeable different in a good way under t5s and I also have better growth. I did try the rapidled corona unit but have not tried kessil or radion where they make it easier for you to find the right spectrum for coral growth. I do miss the controability of being able to change the spectrums at will but in the long term constantly changing your spectrum will only hinder coral growth.
I am curious though. Are you able to see tanks lit by both lights or only have seen tanks lit by led? They do sell cheaper t5 fixtures from 4 bulb to 8 bulb on Amazon for around 100 to 150 depending on size. The ones I bought were hydroplanet. It does use an aluminum reflector but it isn't really individualized which means the penetration won't be as good as the ati fixture. Also there are no fans but the lights don't seem to get too hot while running. It all judt comes to personal taste on what you want your tank to look like. T5 also will make things brighter due to less shadows in the tank. Led can do the same but will need more fixtures.
When I compare that to the sbreef light I can notice the difference in the quality and also in the light that is produced. You will get more pinkish purple with the galaxy hydro. Also the diffusion of the light doesn't seem to be as great when compared to the sbreef. I noticed that I could see where the red led would show on my rock if I looked close enough.
You can grow corals with any source of lighting that is available now a days. I prefer t5 because i am not very good with trying to figure out the correct spectrum for everything. My corals look noticeable different in a good way under t5s and I also have better growth. I did try the rapidled corona unit but have not tried kessil or radion where they make it easier for you to find the right spectrum for coral growth. I do miss the controability of being able to change the spectrums at will but in the long term constantly changing your spectrum will only hinder coral growth.
I am curious though. Are you able to see tanks lit by both lights or only have seen tanks lit by led? They do sell cheaper t5 fixtures from 4 bulb to 8 bulb on Amazon for around 100 to 150 depending on size. The ones I bought were hydroplanet. It does use an aluminum reflector but it isn't really individualized which means the penetration won't be as good as the ati fixture. Also there are no fans but the lights don't seem to get too hot while running. It all judt comes to personal taste on what you want your tank to look like. T5 also will make things brighter due to less shadows in the tank. Led can do the same but will need more fixtures.