Which would you choose?

[alizarin]

On a 40 gallon breeder (36 long x 16 tall x 18 wide), which of these options would you choose?

Option 1) 6 bulb T5 (39x6=240w t5)
Option 2) 150w 10k MH plus 2 actinic t5s (80w t5)

Found a great deal on option 1 but can't decide on that or upgrading my halide.

Thanks =)

 

[Aquatic Hamster]

A lot of people say you can't go wrong with T5's. I haven't used them myself but I've seen several nice setups with them.

 

[Warnberg]

Well, I have used T5's since I started my 240, I have SPS's, a maxima clam and other light demanding corals. IMO you can grow and maintain them under T5's, however I believe they will loose color over time. They just don't seem to make the corals pop with color like I have seen. I have tried many many bulb combinations but results are still the same. That is why I am in the process of changing over to halides.
3 250 watt IceCap ballasts with XM 10K bulbs

 

[CMcNeil]

it would depend on what you plan on keeping.if your not an sps fan and dont plan on getting any then go with the T5.if you plan on getting sps then go with the halide.

 

[LauraCline]

get both

 

[alizarin]

Warnberg, are you supplementing with t5 actinics?

 

[alizarin]

Does T5 coloration have to do with depth the light is penetrating or just in general?

 

[TAMike97]

I have T5. I should have gone with a good MH setup. Depends on what you are planning on keeping of course. In the near future I will have 2X250 14K with T5 Supp. I like it blue.

 

[Northtampatang]

I use T5s and halides, and if the tank isnt to terrible deep, I believe you wont have any problems keeping whatever you want with T5's only.

The true difference is getting good T5 bulbs, ballast and a nice reflector.

The best aspect of T5's is the fact that they wont put off near as much heat as halides.

That said, halides give you the shimmer lines and a bit more light penetration.

 

[TAMike97]

Ice Cap ballast with 14K Aquaconnect and lumenarc reflectors and a little T5 on the side... NOW THATS WOOD! lol

 

[W Ellis]

I have a 200 with T5s only. I am running 4 54w aquablue+ and 2 54w actinic+. I have a gigas clam, crocea clam, monti caps, acros, etc and they are all doing very well. My orange cap was given to me because it was under bad lighting and color was very faded. It got its color back in my tank in maybe just over a month and is a very bright orange and growing as are all my sps's. I love my T5s and with only 1 fan running in my canopy my tank stays about 79 degrees. My vote is for option 1.

 

[Warnberg]

alizarin, Yes I will be supplimenting with 4 -54 watt T5 actinics.

 

[benf]

Warnberg
Do u feel 3 250'w are enough? I have a 120 with 2 250's with 2 T5's actinic and not sure if it is enough.

 

[Warnberg]

I'm going to start with that and see how it goes, if I need to add a 4th I can. The way I look at it (looking from wattage) I am removing 6 54 watt bulbs, 4 of which are over driven so I understand they are putting out around 80 watts per, so 428 watts total and replacing them with 750 watts total in halides.
So total wattage over my tank increases by 322 watts.