T5 or MH for my 20L?

[Jarob]

My birthday is 2 weeks away (21st!!) and my mom said I can pick out a light for my fishtank. Well now the decision is T5 of MH? Ive always used MH and was thinking about trying out t5 but am not sure.

If I go t5 I would use a "CURRENT USA 30" SunDial T5 HO 4X24W + 2 Lunar" fixture

and if I went MH I would probably use a 150wHQI clip on light maybe or the "30 inch Current USA SunPod 1x150W 14K HQI-MH w/ 12 Lun"

Im not sure, all I know is I need to keep it around $200.

If you have any feedback or even a light for sale that would work, let me know!

-Jarob

p.s. I MAY upgrade to a 40breeder over the summer/next year

 

[redfishsc]

Glad to see you more excited about lighting up your tank than going and getting lit up at the bar on your 21st!


On a 20L, which is 30" long, I would go with a T5. You will get a better light spread and 96W of T5 will grow anything you want if you use good bulbs.


The SunDial should be just fine. I have a Nova Extreme with a cheezy reflector but I grow whatever I want in my 10g.


With the MH, you will get great color, growth, and light shimmer. But you will be stuck with whatever color bulb you have in it (the Sunpod usually has a 14,000K which looks OK).

You may also have heat issues with the SunPod, it may raise your tank temp more than you want.

 

[lunner]

Hmm I say have your mom give you the $200 in gift card to Dr. Foster Smith or other sponsors here. Then save a bit more and get the lights you really want instead. Good lighting aren't cheap. I am assuming you aren't looking to retro fitting your own. Decent MH fixtures around 280 or so like Dr Foster and Smith has the IceCap 250/400 HQI Pendant w/250W Ballast $274.99.+ hanging kit cost... I didn't check other Sponsors so they might be cheaper. 250W is not too much for your tank.

But yeah spend a bit more then you can use it for that 40 breeder too! But between the two you listed, I say go with the 150MH. But how is the rest of your system? Temp? SPS?