Help me decide switch from T5 to MH...?

[zooman72]

No problem - all opinions are welcome here, and I appreciate your input.

So if this were a vote, you would check halides...right?

 

[Flanders]

For this tank, yes. For a really colorful SPS or LPS tank I might vote for LEDs to make the colors pop, but you've got more subtly colored corals, and I think I would try something like a 14k halide.

 

[zooman72]

So, assuming I can use "good" 14K bulbs in them (I can, I checked, and there are a couple regularly recommended), would you recommend one 150W fixture or 2 70W fixtures? I know bulb replacement cost would be higher with the 2 70W fixtures, but I am concerned with spread, and secondarily with heat. Would having 2 smaller fixtures be any better for reducing excess heat issues over one larger fixture? I am still leaning towards the two 70W fixtures myself...

 

[Flanders]

I really have no idea. I'd just get the one fixture and call it done, but not for any real reason other than cost I suppose.

 

[block head]

i've got a 150 mh over my cube (28) heat wise it should be fine. maybe a tweek or two on really hot days. i wouldn't trade t5 for mh. light spillage with mh is annoying. 150 bulbs are cheap if you shop around.

 

[zooman72]

I was wondering about light spillage...hmmmm, another thing to consider!