ok so right now i am current redo'ing my 55gal reef tank. It was broke down 6 months ago now its going back up. But my big question is reef lighting. I currently have a 4 bulb t-5 retro kit powered by an ice cap ballast. Now i have the chance to buy 2 250watt MH ice cap ballast for next to nothing and they only have 6 months of use on them. which would you go or would you do a combo.... reef lighting has always killed me. I am looking to upgrade to a 90 or 110xl tank something 4ft long down the road when i find the proper deal.
reef lighting question
- Thread starter hasek1639
- Start date
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
What are you going to be keeping in the tank?
Do you have any personal preference between T5 and MH? Have you ever used or seen MH in person?
They can both support just about anything, really, as long as you get the right fixture for a given tank size. A 2x250w MH fixture will likely be more intense than a 4xT5 fixture, but personal preference definitely plays a role here, too.
Do you have any personal preference between T5 and MH? Have you ever used or seen MH in person?
They can both support just about anything, really, as long as you get the right fixture for a given tank size. A 2x250w MH fixture will likely be more intense than a 4xT5 fixture, but personal preference definitely plays a role here, too.
keeping wise i am not sure this time around. its going to be coral heavy mostly acro's and what not. no clams cause i want an angel. preference none really. Yes my father has MH only over his hex tank. And the really not going LED cause i am pretty broke as is. Just this MH deal fell in my lap and I am super curious.
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
Well, 2 x 250w MH is a great setup for a 4' tank. Compared to your current 4-lamp T5 setup it'll have the potential for higher intensity, which would be good for an SPS-heavy tank.
But again, there are LOTS of good solutions, and it really depends on your preference. If I were in your shoes and it was a really good deal for that MH rig, I'd probably buy it. You could always use the T5 rig for actinic supplementation (you probably won't need it for extra intensity), or just sell it...
But again, there are LOTS of good solutions, and it really depends on your preference. If I were in your shoes and it was a really good deal for that MH rig, I'd probably buy it. You could always use the T5 rig for actinic supplementation (you probably won't need it for extra intensity), or just sell it...
RtReef
New member
If you are not running a chiller that is something you need to consider when going to MH. It will increase your water temp regardless of what you have heard of people say.
So the money you may be saving on this MH deal may end up being used for a chiller. T5's are a good option but if you can spare the extra money LEDs are the way to go
So the money you may be saving on this MH deal may end up being used for a chiller. T5's are a good option but if you can spare the extra money LEDs are the way to go
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
Chiller requirements depend on way more than choice of lighting technology. I've had half a dozen tanks lit intensely with MH and have never owned a chiller. On the other end of the spectrum, I know people who have LED-lit tanks who need chillers. It's definitely something to consider, but not a foregone conclusion.
Yes, a 2x250w MH rig will generate more heat than a 4xT5 rig, but you're also getting way more light, and it's certainly not going to be an overwhelming amount of heat. With reasonable environmental conditions, good canopy design, and reasonable cooling methods (fans) you may find you don't need a chiller at all.
Yes, a 2x250w MH rig will generate more heat than a 4xT5 rig, but you're also getting way more light, and it's certainly not going to be an overwhelming amount of heat. With reasonable environmental conditions, good canopy design, and reasonable cooling methods (fans) you may find you don't need a chiller at all.
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
Agreed! 
Welcome to the snowbelt. 
You might notice that there have been 4 or 5 threads in here this week dealing with people not having enough heaters in their tank, or heater failure from being overworked, etc.
Welcome to the snowbelt. You might notice that there have been 4 or 5 threads in here this week dealing with people not having enough heaters in their tank, or heater failure from being overworked, etc. I'd probably buy that rig if if it's a good deal and you knew you were going to upgrade. It'll be a lot of light but highly usable. If you are going to stick with the dimensions of the 55 it's not a terribly efficient way to light that size tank, considering you can light roughly a 2x2-foot area with each MH.
But nobody really ever stays with a 55...
But nobody really ever stays with a 55...
gary greguire
Premium Member
IMO stay with the t5 2x250 on a 120 would beat the 4 t5's but on a 55 I do not think its a good idea.
cameron0611
New member
One thing to consider when your broke is the cost to run and maintain metal halides. I used to run a 4 bulb t5 fixture and I upgraded to 2 175 watt Metal Halides and 2 t5s for color. My monthly bill went up 30 dollars just from that switch. Also the bulbs for halides are more money. Changing them every 8 months gets expensive. I am currently looking to upgrade to leds in the next month. A chiller most likely will not be needed.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
get the halide ballast!
Eastamherstbias
New member
Pay a little more and get LED. There are some good options around.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
you're gonna upgrade to a 90 or 120 soon. Get the right lighting NOW.
