<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14780353#post14780353 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rydr119
Its worth the extra money IMO to get the best T5 lighting system you can. You not only cut back on heat but also the electric bill.
generally when people are trying to make a direct comparison between the two they're talking about an expensive T5 fixture with individual reflectors and icecap ballast.
lets use my tank as an example, a 120S.
using MH, i would have (2) 250W halides for a total of 500W, the comparable T5 system would have (8) 54W bulbs for a total of 432W. which is ~ a 70W difference, unless you're overdriving the bulbs with an icecap ballast, then we're talking (8) bulbs at ~ 80W for a total of 640W.
the heat issue, goes both ways too. yes, you may need to use fans to take the heat away from the tank with MH's but you also need to use fans to cool T5 bulbs to get the most out of the system and try to lengthen the life of the bulbs.
the next comparison is usually bulb life, people often say that T5 last 18 months, unless you overdrive them, then 6 months to a year ( same as halides ).
don't get me wrong, i'm not bashing T5's but all the hype about how much money you will save is overstated when compared to start up costs and bulb replacement costs. both systems have there good and bad points and you should use whichever works best for your situation.
