MH or not

[192clark]

I have 3 250W MH DE Reef optix 3 pendants. They are new in the box and I have had them for years. I was about to install them a couple of yrs ago the life got in the way. So now my delima is should I use them or sell them and use T5's. It seems that the MH have lost some of their popularity due to cost and heat and the fact that other lights seem to be getting better.
Thoughts please!!

 

[Paco]

I still prefer MH over T5 personally.

 

[192clark]

Thanks Paco

 

[James77]

Other lights do and have been getting better and I have switched out to both T5s and LEDs....but I always end up going back to halides. The heat is not terrible for msot, it can be managed with proper canopies and fans if it even poses a problem. It is not the source of a massive amount of electrical consumption....my LEDs are saving me only about $8-9 over the halide setup I am getting in this weekend.
The amount you would save would be trivial ove the long run with the T5s...if there are any savings at all.

 

[javajaws]

I use to run RO3 pendants and loved them. Really great lights. I assume you already have ballasts as well too?

If so, I'd say stick with them. Wait a few years for LED technology to improve and costs to come down.

 

[zigzag1]

I still prefer my MH and VHO combo and love the results they bring. I will likely switch to LED someday soon - when prices and reliablitly are more fitting to my needs. I say hook those puppies up, they will grow your coral! GL!!

 

[fishermike]

I agree with everything that has been said so far. I have used T5's since they first came out and liked them. I just set up a 120 and switched to Halides and am amazed at what I have been missing. I REALLY like the MH and will be using them for some time.

 

[tntdsol]

I know it is trivial at this point but I agree with what everyone said, so I wont go into a bunch of detail. Use what you got.

 

[sporto0]

+ 1 on the Metal Halides, shimmer, shimmer & more shimmer.

 

[James77]

+ 1 on the Metal Halides, shimmer, shimmer & more shimmer.

Yes, shimmer is the biggest reason I switched back to halides from T5s. I told myself I would not miss it, but it would drive me nuts going to a LFS or someones house that had them.

 

[192clark]

Thanks everyone MH it is then.