sunpod mh or stick with t5's

[Alysiak00]

i have a 4x39w t5 setup on my 45 but i am looking at getting a 36" sunpod with 2x150w mh and blue and white supplemental leds. i've never experimented with halides yet so i'm a little scared but could i get a little bit of help. thanks guys.....and gals....lol!

 

[Toddrtrex]

Buying it used? The sunpods (( and outer orbits )) were discoed about a year ago.

 

[thegrun]

There are pros and cons, I personally like the shimmer effect and use MH on my display tank, but the energy consumption is higher and you can customize the lighting color easier with T5s. If I were starting over, I would go with LED for the best of both worlds. More initial cost but cheaper in the long run.

 

[skiergd011013]

i would stick with t5's

 

[cveverly]

What are you growin' and what type of lighting is the T5?

 

[Alysiak00]

mixed reef. mostly softies but few sps's (birdsnest, pseudopora (i think), and candy cane)

the lights are stock t5 bulbs but thats my dilemma. i'm debating on buying the sunpod (yes its used) or spending the money on new bulbs ( like fiji purples and some others)

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have a Sunpod, and while I like it, it is a bit limiting --- just the MH, no additional bulbs.

I have 2 Fiji Purples over my 75 (( part of my Outer Orbit fixture )), and think they are great bulbs -- so I would try at least one of those bulbs in your fixture. Think you would be happier trying new bulbs first, as opposed to getting the Sunpod.

 

[Alysiak00]

do you have any suggestions. i'm looking at getting 4 completely new bulbs but installing them simultaneously over the next 2 months. also, do i need a vho fixture to run ho bulbs? its just a 39w fixture so i didn't know if i could get ho bulbs

 

[AquaReeferMan]

39W are high output. Look into the ATI or Giesemann lamps. I personally run the Giesemanns. In my 4 lamp fixture Im running 2 of their Actinic Plus(460nm) 1 Pure Actinic(420nm) and 1 Aqua Blue(15k).

 

[Alysiak00]

sounds awesome. i didn't think my fixture is vho. on the box it doesn't say it lol. i'm brain dead when it comes to light fixtures