MH vs t-5

[FloridaFishMan]

Hi,
I have been doing some research because I plan on upgrading to a 120gal tank in the next few months. The price for bulb replacement seems to be equal to that of a 400w MH (assuming the t5 bulb lasts 2 yrs) and they are ~twice as cost effective as the 250watt MH bulb replacement. I am just seeing what you all think in this matter. The t-5s seem like they might give a more even distribution of light.

What are the comparisions for lumens per watt consumed for the t-5 and MH? Would the t-5 produces less heat than the MH? All opinions are welcome.

Here is a t-5 only lit tank that has stirred up my interest in this matter.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=700454&perpage=25&pagenumber=1
thanks,
Chris

 

[moses13]

From what I've read, most are only getting 12 months out of t-5' before noticeable decline in growth.

 

[Lordhelmet]

T-5's will give less heat, and they will need to be replaced every 12-18 months. The light output is amazing, with good growth.
the mian down side IMO is there is no shimmer lines that you get with MH. other then that they are good.

 

[duec22]

IMO T-5's are great. As far as shimmer lines go, I would say that it's a fair trade off. No shimmer lines for better coverage, that is to say you will have far less shaded areas with T-5.

 

[FloridaFishMan]

I agree about the shiner lines. Maybe the answer is in a combination. Maybe a MH centraly located and the t-5's doing the main job of lighting. I have heard 18-24 months on the t-5s if you don't try to push too much power through them.

Does anyone have any data or links to data on the spectrum/ brightness loss over time through t-5s & MH?

 

[PRC]

I haven't done any actual measurements but from personal observation and from what I've read bulb selection makes a significant difference to both light output and bulb life. The GE daylight bulbs appear much brighter than any of the others and are supposed to last at least two years. They are a slight yellow color but incredibly bright. Also the GE bulbs are quite a bit cheaper than most of the others.
Are you planning on having one 400W MH over a 120G? Most recommend one MH bulb for every two feet of tank length.

 

[FloridaFishMan]

I was saying that the tank be primarily lit by t-5s but then have a MH in the center of the tank for the shiner effect.