MH vs T5

[Kronk]

Good points for all... I researched for a long time before decideing on MH though I could happily have gone with T5 if the price was right. Realistically there will never be a definate answer on which is better. I went with MH for the following reasons

- cost is cheaper (initial cost and maintenance I swear MH bulbs can go a lot longer than most rate them for and MH kits are easy to setup)
- easier to work around when playing in the tank (never realized how important this would be)
- shimmer
- T5's are only as good as the reflectors you get for them
- Phoenix 14k bulb
- The electronic ballast (never would have considered MH if i had to use the coil/cap)
- a small computer fan and an auto topoff beat most heat issues

[Trigs]

do you find that your hydro bill goes up or is it quite relevant

[mark]

T5 poll

[sphelps]

I got the best results from both. I tried all halide and all T5 on my tank in many different configurations. The end result was a pretty even combination of both.

[Jaws]

Is anyone using fiji pink T5's with MH lighting to enhance certain colors? Do you notice it make any difference or is that mainly designed for a full T5 lighting system? Thanks.

[Trigger Man]

Originally Posted by Jaws

Is anyone using fiji pink T5's with MH lighting to enhance certain colors? Do you notice it make any difference or is that mainly designed for a full T5 lighting system? Thanks.

I've seen a few tanks that have added the Fiji Purples with MH to make certain corals pop and they swear by it now. So in the end maybe it will become the usual to have both MH and T5's in ones light setup.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Jaws

Is anyone using fiji pink T5's with MH lighting to enhance certain colors? Do you notice it make any difference or is that mainly designed for a full T5 lighting system? Thanks.

I have 2 Fijis running with 2 250W 14K Phoenix Halides and I like the effect they give. I find them to be brighter and produce better coral color than blue or actinic bulbs. I also run 4 coral light T5s as well. I think it's important not to run too much purple, just enough for the color pop, too much purple ratio makes for a funny looking purple tank and takes away from the color pop effect, IMO.

The only change I would make to my current combination is switching 2 of the coral lights for the new gens.

[Jaws]

I'll be running two 400W MH's and I'm wondering how many fiji purples I need to run that won't just get washed out by the MH's.