<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14868905#post14868905 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fender4string
spscrackhead-I kinda figured the "shimmer power" was BS. That LFS hasn't been the best source of information so when given advice mostly I smile, nod, and run home to check on RC 
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That's proof that you're THINKING!
There are very, very, very (^1,000) few times that I trust what the LFS says.
There is ONE LFS in my county I trust. ONE. They have a very nice "Fish Room" (some folks in my area will know what I am saying).
Now that being said, I prefer the LOOK of metal halides, but the ECONOMY of T5.
Halides give a powerful point-source of light which gives the shimmers. T5's give a much more even lighting that actually (to my eyes) appears much brighter than MH since it's spread out more evenly.
Halides run a lot hotter, which can lead to temp headaches. T5's on a tank your size probably won't cause any heat issues. On my tanks, the T5's raise the temp by 2-3 F.
Halides tend to shift spectrum quicker than T5's and most folks seem to replace them every 8-9 months. Higher quality T5's can go a year (some say longer) before needing to be replaced.
Halides give you a few color options, T5's give you nearly limitless color options. You can change the whole look of your tank by replacing one or two $20 bulbs rather than all of your $80 Halide bulbs.
I run only T5, but then again look at my tanks, a 10 and a 20.
It really will boil down to personal preferences. Go and visit other reefers, visit the LFS, and look at their tanks and see what you like.
) and was wondering which lighting system is better: halides or T5s?
