t5 or 250mh

[BigBadBlenny]

i am bashing my head against the wall trying to figure out what path i should take.

i currently have 2 175 w mh and 2 140 w vho actinics.

i am getting more and more sps and i need help.

i wish to upgrade my lights and i would like some feedback


should i got with 7 48" t5, or 2 250w mh 14k or 20k with no actinics



i

 

[stony_corals]

Depends on what is your T5 setup going to look like? Are you going to get Ice Cap ballasts and reflectors or are they going to be something that isn't as good?

 

[BigBadBlenny]

ice cap ballasts yes but tek reflectors. also its a 60" tank and the bulbs would be staggered to fit the size

 

[bheron]

I have 8x80 watt T5 setup, 60" bulbs, run with IceCap ballasts, overdriven. My tank is 30" deep.

How deep is your tank?
If you're looking to keep more difficult SPS I would go MH. I went with T5 for the look of the flour light and the cost/heat savings. It definitely worked out in those aeas but I wasnt too impressed with the overall performance...keeping in mind I've never had MHs either. BUt if youre really concerned about the amount of light - alot of light - needed, and you like the shimmer effect, I would go with MHs.

 

[BigBadBlenny]

its a 20 inch deep tank. whats an example of a difficult sps? i am new to the sps game.

 

[bheron]

20" is a good depth.

To answer your question, you should answer the following:

- what are your coral keeping goals?

That will drive your light needs. Its very important to answer that question before purchasing new lights.

 

[BigBadBlenny]

i want to keep acros, prostrata, hydnophora, millies, that kinda stuff. i have lps right now, and i have a monti right now

 

[Nuuze]

Another alternative is to do both. Some fixtures now offer both dual MH and 4 T5's...

 

[BigBadBlenny]

i plan on a diy , no fixtures. its all built already i just need to change out the lights. has anyone tried venture 10k 250w se mh? they are 10k but are supposed to burn at 14k