Is it just me or is it just that hard?

[Thinslis]

To decide on lights for a new tank? I can't make up my mind on what lights I want.

I was leaning to 2x 400w MH, but then I was checking out the T5 solar flare by Aquatinics, but then I called Salty today and they were telling me about another product by Sunlight Supply Maristar line with 2x250w MH with some T5s..... Ugh!

 

[lzkamp]

Yeah it's that hard. I finally gave up and went with what we knew. Simple VHO's lol.

Good luck on your decision though

 

[zabjeff]

same here, couldnt make up my mind with all the advise, so i went with the old standbys for my softies. they are doing well but still confused on the lighting issues. lol

 

[itZme]

Get a Solaris LED system and let us know how it works. I would do it myself but I don't have a couple thousand dollars lying around at the moment

 

[Thinslis]

Wow, holy crap those are expensive. But if they live up the the hype they pay for themselves over MH setups in like 4-5 years =) LOL Unless you buy used bulbs then its like 8-10 years =)

 

[sohal1025]

I seem to be doing all right with T-5's

 

[Jasonf08]

What kind of coral do you plan on housing? I us DE MH bulbs currently and plan on doing the same next time. Next time i want to use pendants or a enclosed unit other than retros.

 

[Thinslis]

Probably softies to start, and not sure from there.

 

[GSMguy]

i would investigate the upsides and the downsides of the solaris before purchasing they are like spotlights no spread. they cost a ton and are not as bright as MH

i think the solar flare is a great choice. it will be great for any and all corals you want plus the bulb combos can be fun with t5

 

[Thinslis]

I've heard from several people that T5s do not give you the shimmer effect that you get from MH. That is one thing I really like about my current MH lights is the shimmer effect.

 

[GSMguy]

shimmer is a byproduct of point source lighting

the thing about shimmer is if you have effficent reflectors for your mh you lose your shimmer, and that is because the light is being Spread out better. IMO the less shimmer the more even light spread. so actually shimmer is a sign of inefficient light distribution.