T-5 vs MH threads pertaining to sps

doody

doody

New member
Can someone point me to some T-5 vs MH threads pertaining to sps as the search never works. I'm planning/setting up a 125 sps tank and wanna get my lighting figured out.
 
It's a tough topic.
You have advocates for both.
All depends on your set up and needs.
 
Here is how I summarize it:

T5's:

T5's in general are less expensive.
Bulbs cost less
Less heat generated so little or no need for a chiller.
If you don't like the spectrum just change (01) $20.00 bulb and don't have to buy a new $100 dollar one.
You can create Sunrise, Midday and Sunset with T5's assuming you have multiple ballasts (I used my old Coralife PC Ballast with individual power switches
Now shadow effects llgith direct light source (Better coverage)

Halide:

Halide shimmer lines are awesome


Later,

Jim
 
Thanks for the link I'll read it tonight. Anyone else?

Its sad. I'm a good looking, single 29 yr old. And I'm gonna spend my friday night reading about $1000.00 light systems to keep pretty sticks happy. No wonder i'm single.
 
Robert,
i know the struggle your in right now. i cant for the life of me decide between the two for a tank i want to set up. both those tanks are excellent models of what you can do with both. i was leaning toward the hallide/actinics too...and i like the sunrise/sunset capability...now the T5s are tempting. man i dont know.

judging by iwan's tank though...i'm not sure i'd worry about T5s getting to those SPS and clams on the bottom.
 
me? If so I dont know what you mean? I have a 75g setup right now.

If you go halides you can find some stellar deals on used systems. I found a used SLS Reef Optix III dual HQI 250 for 400 bucks. Plus two sets of bulbs.
 
i'm just planning at this point. i'm waiting until i move into a house hopefully sometime this summer. anyway, i'm looking at most likely a 90 gal....maybe....a 180 if i'm lucky. i think the lighting is the only thing i have no idea on.
 
make it easy and go with halides. The T5's were nice and I have no complaints but there is a lot more that can go wrong. Endcaps, relector, ballast, wiring, etc. NOt to mention you dont get the shimmer. Like i said, Ive done both and I would much rather have halides.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6766632#post6766632 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drock59
me? If so I dont know what you mean? I have a 75g setup right now.

If you go halides you can find some stellar deals on used systems. I found a used SLS Reef Optix III dual HQI 250 for 400 bucks. Plus two sets of bulbs.
Click to expand...

No, I meant Dan Trash. Sorry, I did'nt know your name was Dan also.
I hear what you're saying about finding better deals on used systems. There is'nt so mush used T-5 stuff floating around. However, it's claimed by others that T-5 is cheaper in the long haul as far as operational costs and bulb replacement costs.
 
well i just switched from halides to 10k xm bulbs, love the shuimmer lines and the colors i am getting just in the last two weeks is far better than i ever got with my T5s for almost a year. now i am yet to see growth differences but even if it is slower with the halides i like the color better, and i now have a nice low light area for some of the lps that i couldnt keep with the t5s

Tim
 
One of my friends has a T-5 system and MH system both link together with the same corals, but the T-5s made the corals look like they were in a washing machine once or twice.

I have T-5s for economic reasons, and i can tell you i want to go back to Mh but moms wont let me. My colors are washed out =/ you gotta starve your coral or be on zeovit to get some color.
 
yup, now that i have halides i dont really see the need for the starved tank, thus i now have a BB system and feed like crazy and use a huge skimmer to kep it all kinda clean, just not dirty. and colors are not washed out anymore

Tim
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6766157#post6766157 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drock59
I have used both on SPS tanks and hands down I would go with halides. IMO they look a lot better and are better for growth and color in corals. If you are look at the economics T5's are a good way to go but in the long run you will be happier with halides. My two cents.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=6765880#post6765880
Click to expand...

Agreed!
 
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