t5 vs mh's setups

bv_reefer · #1 08-31-2007, 01:45 AM

i prefer metal halides because they open alot of options for corals, good penetration, and can't beat that shimmering effect

mseepman · #2 08-31-2007, 01:47 AM

I agree that MH seems to be the right way to go. Luckily there are some options out there with a mix of MH and T5HO so you can have the best of both worlds. I would look in that direction. I think OA carries some like this that still look sharp like the Coralife.

Der_Iron_Chef · #3 08-31-2007, 01:50 AM

I think HO T5's are good enough for just about anything, given that they're under a good reflector, etc. Haven't we all seen photos of stunning SPS-dominant tanks in Europe that use T5's exclusively? And check out this TOTM in March 2005 on reefkeeping.com.

Or maybe I'm just wrong

ron101 · #4 08-31-2007, 03:35 AM

IMO there are several factors on which to base your decision but I think the two most significant are appearance and cost.

Personally I would treat T5 HO and MH as equally efficient. So if you were thinking of 2 x 150W MH on a 4' tank then you are looking at a 6 x 54W 4' T5 setup. Despite a lack of hard data you will see people claiming that T5's are WAY more efficient than MH. I find that hard to believe considering T5 is the same fluorescent technology from T12, T8, and PC only with a better reflector. The heat difference comes about because heat is distributed along the entire length of the T5 lamps vs a much smaller volume in a MH lamp.

Pricing on a 6-lamp 4' T5 is comparable to a dual MH unit. Long term lamp replacement costs may be higher than MH if using aquarium grade lamps. On the plus side you can mix and match spectrums to get the look you want. With MH you are stuck with one bulb type.

kwirky · #5 08-31-2007, 06:53 AM

I agree with Mr. Alberta...

One can argue the difference in output of MH vs T5, but the serious thing to consider is which will be best for your application. T5's are good for long and narrow tanks. MH's are good for lighting multiple "square like" areas.

one serious consideration is with my T5's, NOTHING could be kept in the upper 8 inches of my tank without it bleaching. I'm suspecting if I had a two bulb MH setup, I could have placed corals at the top of the tank, as long as they weren't directly under the bulb.

Comparing MH's to T5's is like comparing apples to bananas, and you really have to think over the needs of your tank before you make your decision. They're both great, they're just so different.

I liked my T5 setup, but I feel if I had a MH setup, I would have liked that too. Oh and don't stress too much on bulb choices either, because you'll get to try something else in 6-12 months anyways

ron101 · #6 08-31-2007, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwirky

Oh and don't stress too much on bulb choices either, because you'll get to try something else in 6-12 months anyways

Fluorescent or MH?

albert_dao · #7 08-31-2007, 07:27 AM

Either.

andresont · #8 08-31-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwirky

one serious consideration is with my T5's, NOTHING could be kept in the upper 8 inches of my tank without it bleaching. I'm suspecting if I had a two bulb MH setup, I could have placed corals at the top of the tank, as long as they weren't directly under the bulb.

I second that to a degree one of my older SPS is doing very good right under T5 x 6 Tek fixture, but the other i had to move down. And i have less intense light output now because of two pink ATI color-pro German bulbs i am trying out (suppose to be a new miracle)
Shimmering is definately nice to have when you go MH, if you do go with at least 250 DE and get a good ballast like M80.

ron101 · #9 08-31-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albert_dao

Either.

I don't think that quality MH need to be changed that frequently, unnecessary expense.

fishguyxd · #10 08-31-2007, 11:18 AM

Thank you so far for the info.