MH to T-5

[armstrongd]

hey guys, I am thinking about switching from 150W HOB MH to a 96W T-5. I have LPS, 1 clam, and 2 SPS corals. It is a 20H with temps around 78-82F. the tank has been up and running for about 6 months, wiyh no problems yet. I would like to add more SPS and clams in the future. What do you think?

[bertoni]

Lots of people like T5. For that size setup, either should work well enough, if the MH is okay in quality. I think it's mostly a matter of personal taste.

[conefree]

Either one is a viable light source, but like Bertoni said it is a matter of personal preference. If you like your existing setup and don't want to bother switching, you could buy a small, cheap clip-on fan to blow across your tank's surface to help keep it cool.

The only downside to this is increased evaporation. Not sure if you have any ATO system setup.

[armstrongd]

Thanks for the imput guys. The reason that i asked was i want to add more SPS and clams in the furture. Is the T-5 strong enough for them? I have read that clams are light hogs. Will i have to give them up?

[Amphiprion]

If you have enough high quality T5s with good reflectors, you will be fine with both. It is a matter of taste. Honestly, I would look around and see which look you prefer to give you a good idea of what you will have with either.