Which will be better--T5 or MH

[nterry]

Hi,

Looking to upgrade the lights on my 120 (4x4x2). I am thinking about whether or not I should get a 8x54 T5 fixture or a 2x150, with 2x54 T5 bulbs. Which one will show off the color of the zoos better. Or maybe a better question, how well would the 8x54 work for showing the colors of zoos. It's twice as much for the MH fixture and I'm trying to decide if it's worth it.

Thanks,

nterry

[vegita51]

Personally I would go with the 8x54 lamp just because you have a better choice in bulb combination and lower heat. I have t5s on my tank and my zoos look amazing

[Catastrophi]

I'd go with the T5s only if they have individual reflectors..

Thats a reallly deep tank there.

[pondy]

I woudl second Catastrophi. Individual reflectors are the only way to go with T-5's. I run a 48" nova extreme pro that only has 6 bulbs over my 120 and am still able to keep clams on the bottom of my tank. I think tha tyou will be happy with T-5's.

[zoadude]

T5s will make the zoas look nice and be lower cost and heat, but they do not compare to the look of zoanthids under 14K or 20K MH. But if you start with the T5s you won't know what they can look like under MH so you really won't be missing anything.
Unfortunatly, I started with MH, have seen many tanks locally with T5 different combos in homes and reef shops so could never personally go to only T5s. I would never be satisfied. Have to live with the higher heat (fans counter that) and cost myself (no relief there).

[scuba guy ron]

I use and swear by MH. I use a 150w Sunpod MH which has a built in fan. I have absolutely no issue with heat.

[jahorgos]

T5s

[Reef Bass]

The colors in my 60g LPS tank lit by T5s are very good. The colors in my 100g SPS tank lit by 400w MHs and T5 actinicis are even better. I have zoos in each.

[reefcrazydude]

4X4X2 is that 4' tall i go with T12 or 2' tall i go with T5

[GreenReefer77]

2 x 250w MH is what I'd do on that tank with 20k radiums

[nterry]

The tank is 2 feet high

[nterry]

Seems like there is a split set of responses...zoadude makes a point. My favorite LFS (Gerber's, in Dayton) has spoiled me with their zoos under MH. But I'm not getting new fixtures till next spring, so part of it will depend on how much money I save up. I think it's going to be a toss up between 8x54 T5 and MH.

nterry

[amore169]

I would go with T-5.

[Bn251]

I big tank like that id go with MH+T5 combo but i have seen really nice T5 only set ups

[scuba guy ron]

I also run actinic along with the MH. Why not do both MH and t-5

[JDS]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15574821#post15574821 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GreenReefer77
2 x 250w MH is what I'd do on that tank with 20k radiums +1

[ct_vol]

I think its a matter of personal preference... I just plain like the look of MH's... For my 120, I have 2x250w MH's and 4x54w T5's actinics...

[650-IS350]

Why bother, just use a combo... MH with T5s for either attinics or other colors like Fiji purple, 3500K Reds etc...

[Doolin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15576926#post15576926 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nterry
Seems like there is a split set of responses...zoadude makes a point. My favorite LFS (Gerber's, in Dayton) has spoiled me with their zoos under MH. But I'm not getting new fixtures till next spring, so part of it will depend on how much money I save up. I think it's going to be a toss up between 8x54 T5 and MH.

nterry

OFFTOPIC: Hey, your in my area. Check out the WORC Club!

[mfinn]

Asking whish is better is like asking which is better, Chevy or Ford.
Everybody has their own preference.
Mine is mh lighting.

[reefkeepa14]

T5 would be fine for Zoas and Id do Mhs for SPS

[lbaldrey]

20K Halides...Ive messed with quite a few lighting combos...but for zoos...20K halides are marvellous...using a Radium DE now..

[JMalone81]

I would go with 250w 20k MH.

[agold11520]

Metal halides! Two 150s don't make it, I have two Sunlight supply 250s and they are great. you may see a piece of SPS down the road that need them and you will be ready to spend!!

[Timanator]

I pretty much have all zoas, and I have had better luck with T5's than MH.

[thefreshfish]

I really like T5's also, better combo of lights. I especially like KZ figi purple bulbs