T-5 or MH lighting?

[Tank2379]

Which do you think gives the most coloration in your SPS? I have T-5's but I see alot of MH that have outstanding coloration with SPS just wondering if T-5's give it the growth but not the coloration?

Thanks
Frankie:spin1:

 

[t4zalews]

you will hear T5 gives better color and you will hear metal halide gives best color.

I've always used both to give great color.

 

[phenom5]

I currently have a T5 setup. I prefer the look of MH. Go figure.

FWIW, I think you can get outstanding growth & color out of either.

 

[boodlefish]

ive had both and both work but for me T5's seem to work better overall (less temp swing= more stable system= best color and growth)

 

[yukondave]

I Just switched over to T5's from MH's and so far I'm happy with the results. Colors look great, temp is more stable, and I expect to cut the cost of lighting my tank in half.

MH's can give you great results too but either route you go be sure to get a good reflector. They can make a huge difference in the Par.

 

[Petar]

Uncomperable, T5 are much better lighting because you can play with spectrum.

 

[nvdiz]

Uncomperable, T5 are much better lighting because you can play with spectrum.

If it was incomparable, then why isn't everyone on T5?

I plan on going T5s sometime later on... I'm not too convinced on LED's as of yet, but MH has hooked me for a while.

 

[Allmost]

well there are alot of T5 systems out there with good color as well

I use T5, my corals dont look the best, but I blame it on me, since it is getting better and better by the day and I havent changed the lights.

also u get a much wider range of colors u can play with . no heat, and ...

 

[Allmost]

Uncomperable, T5 are much better lighting because you can play with spectrum.

u can always supplement MH with actinic though. (hmm that would make it a mix, okay ure right)

but the only thing about Halides is the dept penetration, and the shimmering effect.

 

[BuckeyeTodd]

I Just switched over to T5's from MH's and so far I'm happy with the results. Colors look great, temp is more stable, and I expect to cut the cost of lighting my tank in half.

MH's can give you great results too but either route you go be sure to get a good reflector. They can make a huge difference in the Par.

I haven't noticed any difference in power bill since switching That was one of the considerations that I used when deciding, but I just don't see any difference in the two months I've switched

 

[boodlefish]

u can always supplement MH with actinic though. (hmm that would make it a mix, okay ure right)

but the only thing about Halides is the dept penetration, and the shimmering effect.

the depth penetration on T5's is really quite good. i can grow light loving sps on my sand bed and if i need more par i can always throw another white bulb in the mix and.... well lets put it this way lots of people switch and end up bleaching their sps because they underestimated their new T5's...

but there is that pretty shimmer effect... i do like looking at peoples mh lit tanks for the shimmer effect... but hey supplemental LED's will take care of that!

 

[ryanrid]

ok for the power concious put this into consideration

if you run 2 x 250W MH = 500W
to get equivilient light with T5 you need 8 + bulbs at 54W = 432W, so not much less power (based on 4ft)

i run 2 x 250WMH and 4 x T5 for colour with actintic and fiji purple.

 

[Tank2379]

See I run 6 bulbs T-5 3 ATI Blue plus 2 Aqua Blue Special and 1 Fiji Purple it does give it that 20K look and the coloration looks OK, I had someone recently tell me that I had awesome coloration maybe I can't tell since I see the darn tank everyday... But I do notice coloration in some coral I have.... My green slimer has grown larger since I put him on the sand for lack of space...

 

[Paulca916]

I haven't noticed any difference in power bill since switching That was one of the considerations that I used when deciding, but I just don't see any difference in the two months I've switched

This has been an on going argument I have had with people.
8 x 54 watt = 432 watts
2 x 20 watt = 500 watts
Difference I run my 250 radiums 6 hours a day.
My friend runs his T-5's 9 hours a day.
Is he really saving money ?
IMHO I dont think so

 

[vegita51]

I run 4 24w bulbs on an 18g with a fuge and no protein skimmer and my coloration is great!

 

[zaheda]

Halides with t5 the way to go. Than you have plenty lighting and coloration.

 

[Paulca916]

I really like Halides (Radiums) with VHO supplement

 

[Allmost]

the depth penetration on T5's is really quite good. i can grow light loving sps on my sand bed and if i need more par i can always throw another white bulb in the mix and.... well lets put it this way lots of people switch and end up bleaching their sps because they underestimated their new T5's...

but there is that pretty shimmer effect... i do like looking at peoples mh lit tanks for the shimmer effect... but hey supplemental LED's will take care of that!

Excellent point on the LEDs, I'm building one right now just cause of that shimmering effect.

 

[dmorazan]

t5's and mh

t5's and mh

Halides with t5 the way to go. Than you have plenty lighting and coloration.

my vote is for the combo set up, I run 3 14k 250w and 4 t5's (different colors 2 uv actinic+ and 2 red). very nice colors. metal halide for the over all growth and t5's for coloration. heat is thing to consider but get a chiller or set up some fans. why do you get in to this without paying cost?

 

[Radioheadx14]

I've used both and while I like both, I prefer MH because they seem to make things look more crisp. I think its because of the deep shadows it produces on the rocks due to light coming from a single spot. Not to mention the shimmering effect.