Pics of my tank before and after switch to MH

[standrd250ridr]

I just switched from 6x54w T5's with 3 10k's and 3 actinics. Now I am using a 175x2 MH retro with 10k XM's.

Here is with T5s

Here is with MH's(no supplimental)

Any input would be great. Should I use some supplimental lighting?

 

[SlukBunWalla]

Pictures never do a tank justice. Especially when lighting is concerned.

That being said, from the pics I actually prefer the look of the T5s. I myself am making the opposite transition. I have an 150w HQI over my 40 breeder and I'm switching to 6 T5HO tubes.

Halides have the shimmer, and give depth to a tank with their shadow effect...that part I love. However the quality of light and their sheer versatility, T5s have won me over. With the multitude of available bulbs its easier to find the perfect combination to get *just* the right look for your tastes. AND...you won't need a chiller.

If I have a much larger tank (Say, the next tank I plan to build, a 120 gallon) I think I would go back to halides, but I think I would still supplement with T5s. Have you tried the combo yet?

I would be interested to see others' opinions on the topic. Who else has tried both? Which do you prefer?

 

[leeweber85]

I personally like the pic with the halides better....seems less....green. Halides look more natural to me compared to the glowing from the fluorecents.

 

[annamarie421]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13911983#post13911983 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by leeweber85
I personally like the pic with the halides better....seems less....green. Halides look more natural to me compared to the glowing from the fluorecents.

+1

 

[Atticus]

I like the halides also. The color in the photo may just be washed due to the increased intensity of light and the fact that you were a little closer to the tank or zoomed in.

As for a chiller, IMO 1-150 halide will not put out more light than 6 t-5's the heat is just more concentrated in the halide making it seem hotter.

I will run halides on any tank that is meant for a display for 3 reasons, light penetration, shimmer, and shimmer...

I just can't wait for LED's to become a viable option. Low wattage and heat with shimmer... Hard to beat.

 

[Modemagic]

How to PC's compare to T5's and MH's?

 

[leeweber85]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13915753#post13915753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Modemagic
How to PC's compare to T5's and MH's?

I've never been a big fan of them, they are expensive to replace and don't have very good color. t5s are a better option, or even VHOs.

 

[ludiNano]

From what i've read, Pc's don't even come close to MH or T-5s.