mh or t5

[JMalone81]

Massively Intoxicated?

Haha

 

[JMalone81]

u gotta compare MH + chiller set up to T5 set up

MH with no chiller will have wild temp swings and wont get any color.

T5 u have less heat, more choices on the color, and ....

That is not true at all. I ran 400w mh on my tank and didn't have wild temp swings. Temp stays between 86-88 and my sps don't get stressed at all.

 

[JAustin]

Two Radium 400W mh over my 120g, no chiller and no temp swings. Temp is 79-80. SPS colors are outstanding!

T-5's having better color than MH or vice versa is BS! Quality ballasts, bulbs, and reflectors combined with good water chemistry and stability is key to SPS growth and color. What it comes down to is cost. Having T-5's over a 6ft tank is going to be expensive. Having 3 400W MH is going to be hot and require fans or chiller. Both have pros' and cons'. I don't think one is better than the other.

Now LED is better! Not that I have them but man do I wish!

 

[Amphiprion]

Aesthetically speaking, in terms of the way the emitted light itself looks, I consider MH to be the superior of the two. It looks better to me at least. As far as suitability in growing corals, both do an excellent job when set up properly with the right reflectors, proper acclimation, etc.

 

[Reef Bass]

+1 for combo MHs with 20kK Radiums and ATI blue plus (or similar) T5 supplements

 

[AgeDynasty]

Metal Halide is the best I have ever used. T5 will work but you get way better growth out of the Metal Halide.