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View Full Version : New to hobby. MH vs. T5?? advantages and disadvantages?


tmn_3
09/10/2008, 10:23 AM
I am in the process of setting up my first reef tank and I am at the point where it is time to buy lighting. From what I have read so far it seems that MH and T5's are the best for the tank that I have in mind. I would like to have from SPS and down. I was wanting to know which lighting unit would work best? The advantages and disadvantes fo both? cost, wattage, cost of bulbs, how long the bulbs last, just anything that could help me decide which unit is better?
Thanks,
tmn_3

SaltyStlouis
09/10/2008, 08:12 PM
what size tank are you lighting ?
do you have a canopy or you need a complete fixture ?

i would do t5 if you can live without the shimmer lines that MH will create.

t5s run cooler use less electric and the bulbs should last about a year.

light will not be a problem if you cover your tank with t-5s their are many amazing sps reef tanks lit with t-5s. just keep in mind you get what you pay for so buy the best t-5 setup you can afford youll want something with individual reflectors as these really make the difference.....

supercon71
09/11/2008, 12:51 PM
Why choose between one or the other?

There are some fantastic MH/T5 lighting combos out there :)

I'm quite happy with my Current Outer Orbit 2x150 MH 4xT5 unit......

NealNano
09/11/2008, 05:50 PM
I say go for Metal Halide, tried and true. There is heat issues and more power use with halides. I have never used T5s but I have seem some very nice sps tanks that use T5s.