t-5 replacing halide

[power boat jim]

If I were to replace 3x 400w mh lights with t-5s over a standard 180 gal tank, would the 72'' 12 bulb be enough? The tank is all sps. It is doing fine the way it is but the t-5 may bring out more color and maybe cut back on the electric bill.

Thanks in advance

 

[spamreefnew]

not sure, i was about to switch from MH over to t-5 a few weeks a ago. i made myself a makeshift t-5 fixture from old parts just to make sure that i would be happy with the colors of a new t-5 set up...I was not happy at all...the t-5s looked dull and dim and did nothing special for coral colors. once you are used to the shimmer and brightness of MH theres no turning back IMO

 

[power boat jim]

Well, this is by no means a done deal. It would cost $700 just to convert. I was just curious as to what others were running. Then there is the if it aint broke dont fix it theory.

I also have two 48'' T5 fixtures now. I must admit they do pop off some color the halides wash out.

 

[danel]

I read before that it all depends on each t5 bulb having it's own reflector. I was considering doing the switch before as well from 3x 250w MH, but I'm saving it for LEDs instead since a decent 72" t5 would run me about $1000

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

 

[power boat jim]

LEDs show great potential but I would not yet trade in MH for LED on an sps tank. I would have to see some results from people using them before I invest in it.