T5 or T5/MH Combo?

[Calireef11]

What do you guys like better? To light SPS/LPS/Clams in 200g tank.
Also is there a good T5/MH fixture out that's really good?

 

[The Punisher]

I prefer T5's because of the low heat, multitude of bulb colors, and being able to change the color with a simple bulb change. What are the dimensions on your tank? The only time I'd use MH's is on a deeper tank (30" or more), but that's just my opinion. MH are great, I just prefer T5's.
Check out Giesemann Lights, they're expensive but top of the line.

 

[Calireef11]

My tank is 60x31x24. LxWxH
I like the color of t5 better. I just hate that there no shimmer.

 

[Hendogg0]

Well right now I have a sunpod and it's just mh .I like it but I want to switch to just t5 mainly because you get a wider variety of bulbs

 

[Calireef11]

Can clams live with T5?

 

[James77]

Can clams live with T5?

Yes they can, assuming good quality bulbs, good indiviual reflectors, and active cooling....thats how you get the most of your T5s

I personally like a MH/LED actinic combo.

 

[Calireef11]

Thanks!

Since you run T5/MH do you know what metal halide bulbs are the bluest? I've heard the Elos Abyss bulbs are but not sure.

Why do you like T5/MH more?

 

[James77]

I run LEDs with my halides. Right now I use Phoenix bulbs, they are bright and quite blue....but not sickening blue. Not sure on the Elos, it is a new bulb. Giesemann makes sa 17.5 k bulb that is also new, but far from being 17.5k, more like 12k.

I have tried LED, halides and T5. I prefer the halides by far for their brighter, even color and great shimmer.

 

[tallreefguy]

I prefer MH / T5 combo. I love the shimmer you get with the accent of T5 lighting. You can also manipulate the color the way you want to. I would go with a 2x250w + 4xT5 combo.
The Elos Abyss 20k bulbs are NOT blue.
They look EXACTALLY like this: http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc283/miamijaaz/Corals2025-1.jpg
http://198.92.103.99/forums/showthread.php?t=1756115

Very white, with a little bit of a purple accent on it. Good looking bulb. IMO not super bright.
The Giessemann 17.5k Crystal bulbs are supposed to be Icy White with a touch of blue?
For blue, I'd go with a Phoenix or Radium. I currently run both bulbs on my 100g. You can go for a Ushio 20k or XM 20k, but growth will probably suffer.

If I could go all T5 - I would go ATI fixture. It's proven to be better. 6 or 8 bulb fixture. 8 if you have the room.

 

[Luwe2008]

Yeah I LOVE T5 color but I hate the no shimmer. You can do a T5/LED Hybrid

I love the MH shimmer but I feel like its too white for me and the heat.

Maybe if you run blue plus T5s if it will be more blue.

 

[Calireef11]

How about Giesemann Spectra or ATI powermodule?