MH vs. T-5 which is better

[persun87]

is metal halide or T-5 better lighting for tank with all types of corals just curious have read things that say T-5 is more light wat for watt ?

 

[BurntOutReefer]

IMO...I went from MH to T5 and then back to MH....
my vote is MH.....the MH light is just more "brillant" and crisp...and love the shimmer.....

 

[hahnmeister]

Depends on the tank. For most tanks up to 100g about, I have to go T5 unless less than 3'... then its 50/50 depending on the exact dimensions. Over 100g & 4', then halide/T5 together.

For example, a 55g (48x13x20"h) is like a posterchild for T5 candidates, but a 60g cube (24" cube) would be better off with a halide pendant.

 

[Icefire]

It's mostly 50/50. almost same par/watts

 

[30mini]

I have a 120 that I'm setting up, and I love my MH/T5 combo!!! Briliant crisp white light, and great coloration from my corals when the actinics are on!!

 

[pammy]

I was dead set against MH and wanted straight T5's for my 31x19x19 53g tank. I ended up going with a MH/T5 combo light because I got tired of waiting for the T5 I wanted (powermodule). I'm SO glad I ended up with the MH/T5 combo light (Elos Planet) !!! The tank is BRILLIANT and sparkles when both the MH and T5's are lit. If I turn off the MH and have just the T5 bulbs lit, it's bright, but very "flat" in comparison. Everyone talked about the shimmer effect of MH, and I didn't get it.....until I bought my light! If I had to do it again....I'd definitely get the MH/T5 combo. Best of both worlds, and now, I'll never be limited on what coral I can add.
Pam

 

[mg426]

MH and T5 combos are hard to beat .

 

[Navyblue]

MH's strength lies in the lower K rating where it puts out tonnes of PAR. T5's strength is the ability to go bluer K without losing much PAR. You can't be wrong with full spectrum MH + blue T5s.

 

[smcdonn]

The shimmer from MH is too cool. I couldn't live without it.

 

[Rhodesholar]

Let me end this debate once and for all.

T-5 is much better then MH and MH is much better then T-5. :lmao:

Now my serious answer is to use both. :thumbsup:

 

[pammy]

LOL Rhodesholar. I'm sure T5's would have been all that I needed for my depth of tank, and what I want to do with it....but boy does it look incredible with the MH added with the T5s!!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9946272#post9946272 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rhodesholar
Let me end this debate once and for all.

T-5 is much better then MH and MH is much better then T-5. :lmao:

Now my serious answer is to use both. :thumbsup:

 

[Rhodesholar]

pammy,

I am glad you found humor in my post as that was my intent since this debate is probably on par with the what came first, the chicken or the egg.

Basically you can't go wrong with both though either alone work well and I think it comes down to personal prefernce and application. With the combination, it's a slam dunk.

Now BB vs DSB vs SSB is a whole other story!