120g, t5 or mh?

[ThrowinRoost89]

whats better for our climate?
i dont want to run a chiller, and im shure someone here has some experience with MH's



lights:

outer orbit, 2x250w MH, 4x54w t5 actinics..... 18 moon lights.
$850

i like the MH because it comes with moon lights, and looks like a nice fixture. i also like the shimmer of MH's



tek 8x54w HO t5 fixture..... $500 plus bulbs, $150-200
no moon lights.....



im worried about the MH overheating my tank. AC is usually on during the summer, but my dad doesnt turn it on if its only going to be hot for one day.

what do you local guys reccomend?
i am planning for anything but SPS. and i also would like a clam.

 

[MJAnderson]

Honestly if you need a fixture I'd do this:

http://www.saltycritter.com/lighting/aquactinics/constellation-t5.htm

better reflectors and active cooling will give more output than the 8 bulb Tek. Low profile, but no moonlights.

If you're willing to spend a little more ($920 with bulbs)

http://www.saltycritter.com/lighting/aquactinics/aquactinics-solar-flare-t5.htm

That does come with moonlights, but honestly I don't like the look of the fixture as much. But it's overdriven T5s.

Don't know anything about MH fixtures. Went retro with my MHs.

 

[mattyice]

i am going to have 2 Aquatinic Constellations over my 240G cube with a few MH spotlights for growth

i couldnt be happier with the aquatinics fixture and you should definitely look into it

i have one that is brand new in the box with 7 bulbs that i would be willing to sell (going to be a while before i can get my 240G cube setup), if you want it i know salty charges 740, i can let it go for 725, once again EVERYTHING IS BRAND NEW IN THE BOX AND NEVER BEEN FIRED

 

[funkyman]

I run 2x250 MH's (retros) over my 120. I've never needed a chiller. As a matter of fact, I also have a 2x250 MH fixture over the 50 gallon in our bedroom. A fan is all that's needed when the air isn't on, although it "is" on all summer.

During the summer the air conditioning is enough to keep the 120 in the 78-82 range. On really hot days I may run a fan on a timer to come on the same time the lights do to keep everything under control.

Winter is obviously not a problem. I have a Reefkeeper that controls two heaters I have in my sump.

During this time of the year when it's not warm enough to run the air, the fan and timer are used again.

Chiller? We don't need no steenking chiller!

 

[calypso1]

i only have a 75 galon but i have 2 175 watt mh and 2 vho and had better luck with vho and t5s.

 

[ThrowinRoost89]

im loving the shimmer of MH's.....

i think im ganna gave to go with the outer orbit fixtue