Ok so right now i am in the process of deciding what tank size i want and what equipment etc. If i do a 48x15x18 i have 2 options for lighting. 1) i build a canopy and place 6 54w T5HO with individual reflectors 3 marine whaite 14k and 3 420 actinics for £282 (im from the uk) or i have the option of 2 150w nano halides and 2 54w T5HO with reflectors (both t5 will be actinic) for £273. the difference of 39 is nothing so what would be the better option? 1 or 2?
Lighting option 1 or lighting option 2?
- Thread starter Jamess
- Start date
downhillbiker
New member
i think that option 2 is the way to go. nothing can mimic the natural lighting of a reef better than metal halides. the actinics will add to blue appearance that we all want. i just really think the shimmer of the metal halides makes the tank look so much better.
As you can see from your responses so far 
, it becomes largely a personal preference. Both options are good choices. Personally, I have an all-T5HO retrofit kit (Icecap overdriven) in my canopy above my 90g. My canopy isn't that tall, so MHs (even the HQIs) wouldn't have given me enough clearance from the water.
I love T5HOs. Except for the lack of that shimmer you get from MHs.
Aside from the upfront costs of the lights, you should think about the heat generated by the lights, as well as power consumption. The MHs _might_ heat your water to the point where you'd need a chiller, i.e., added costs, and would draw more current.
Hope this helps!
, it becomes largely a personal preference. Both options are good choices. Personally, I have an all-T5HO retrofit kit (Icecap overdriven) in my canopy above my 90g. My canopy isn't that tall, so MHs (even the HQIs) wouldn't have given me enough clearance from the water. I love T5HOs. Except for the lack of that shimmer you get from MHs.
Aside from the upfront costs of the lights, you should think about the heat generated by the lights, as well as power consumption. The MHs _might_ heat your water to the point where you'd need a chiller, i.e., added costs, and would draw more current.
Hope this helps!
lReef_lKeeper
lReef lKeeper
im gonna say to go with the halides, if for not other reason ... the shimmer. i have no experience with T5s, but i know they do not shimmer like the halides will.
I like the MH look over t5. But at 100w more, you will have to decide if it is worth it to you.
Here is a electricity calc.
http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/tank_elec_calc.php
Here is a electricity calc.
http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/tank_elec_calc.php
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