Once you go MH u never go back?

[lildraken]

Theres always supporters of Metal Halides and others that swear you can do just as well with PC's (T-5's). I'm just wondering how many people have "upgraded from PC to MH's and are happy with them

 

[gigi4539]

Metal Halides all the way. The colors are so much better and the corals thrive so much better.

 

[drives300]

I never had t5s but I seen tanks with them. I like the color of the MHs and the shimmer. People may say that T5s put out more par but whether or not this translates into more growth or better color I dont think has been proven

 

[BrokeColoReefer]

alot dependes on the lighting you choose. Can you keep your tank cool enough to run halides? If so, then go for it. I think they look better then any T5 of PC.
If you want to control heat, but still get great growth, go with T5. I personally think they do the same job, except when it comes to deep tanks. I would only put T5's on a 20" depth tank or less.

 

[kodyboy]

I have had both and prefer T5s. T5s have better color and are far easier to live with heat wise. They also draw less power. I do miss the shimmer though

 

[h20cooled]

I had MH and when I upgraded my tank to a bigger one change to a T5 only setup. I love the T5's I have a 26" deep tank and have SPS and clams in the lower part of the tank and they are thriving (Great growth and amazing color). I now have no issues with heat and I can change the color of the whole tank with a simple $20 bulb swap.

 

[lildraken]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm so indecisive about what to use. My new aquarium is 29" high so I'm i'm afraid T-5's won't penetrate deep enough.
So would you agree that you definitely would need a chiller if I went with MH's over a 110 gal aquarium?

 

[drives300]

T-5 will penetrate if you get the kind with good reflectors!! As far as needing a chiller it depends on how cool you keep your house. I have 2x 175 w 10 ks on a 90 gallon and I live in bradenton. If I keep my house at 76 degrees my tank runs 79-80. Which is great!! It also depends if you have canopy or open top. I think you should be ok as long as you dont go with dual 400 watters

 

[el chupacabra]

Maybe you should use a combination of both. There are hoods made for this. I like the color of flourecents better, but I have a feeling corals prefer MH.

 

[h20cooled]

Are you going to have a sand bed? Like I said in my previous post my tank is 26" deep, but I do not have a sand bed, so a 29" deep tank with a sand bed isn't going to be much different then a 26" without one.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8983588#post8983588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lildraken
Thanks everyone for your input. I'm so indecisive about what to use. My new aquarium is 29" high so I'm i'm afraid T-5's won't penetrate deep enough.
So would you agree that you definitely would need a chiller if I went with MH's over a 110 gal aquarium?

 

[el chupacabra]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8983810#post8983810 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by h20cooled
Are you going to have a sand bed? Like I said in my previous post my tank is 26" deep, but I do not have a sand bed, so a 29" deep tank with a sand bed isn't going to be much different then a 26" without one.

just curious what kind of T5 setup did you have; brand? Ballast?

 

[lildraken]

no i prefer a shallow sand bed but who knows, that might change later

 

[Ti]

had T5's, it was bright, but lacked the appeal of halide.
Popped a halide in and tank was SHARP looking.
Don't care if T5 has more par, tank just looks better with halide.

 

[h20cooled]

I have 8 54w bulbs overdriven to 82w with 2 Icecap 660 ballast and each bulb has an Icecap SLR reflector.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8984159#post8984159 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by el chupacabra
just curious what kind of T5 setup did you have; brand? Ballast?

 

[Meisen]

I agree Ti, a major reason many of us have these tanks is for eye appeal. I like the way halides look in the tank much better than T5s with the sharpness, the glitter lines and good overall growth and coloration.