T-5's Vs 250 MH

03-28-2005, 08:22 PM

I am setting up a new reef tank which will also serve as my propagation tank for my other reef tank. The question is... should I go with 250w MH m58 ballast with VHO antinics or...Will T-5s do the job. The tank is a standard 48'' 75 gal. Im looking to keep mainly softies and LSP but a few Sps as well. I am also looking for the best and fastest coral growth. What are some of your opinions

Birdlady · 03-28-2005, 09:30 PM

I am partial to metal halides.

JMHO

szidls · 03-29-2005, 07:45 AM

How bout MH and T-5 for the actinic supplement.

Scott

Malachi · 03-29-2005, 09:36 AM

I have seen amazing tanks with T5 online and people wjho have them seam to love them. But on most forums there is not many people with experience with them.

Matt Rogers · 03-29-2005, 12:52 PM

I've seen great tanks with both, but have you done the math?
I am curious how much each setup is and yearly bulb costs, etc..

Malachi · 03-29-2005, 12:59 PM

I think the one big selling point is they need changed every 16 months. And for a 36" tank it would be about $176.00 for 8 bulbs (36&quot

. here is a link to an awesome T5 set up

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.htm

Matt Rogers · 03-29-2005, 01:12 PM

I remember that tank. That's sweet.
$176 is damn good, but ReefGuy has a 48" tank. What would that be with all the lights he'd need?

Malachi · 03-29-2005, 01:37 PM

I lied they avarange $28 a tub for 36" and $32 for 48"
so a 36" would be about $224.00 every 16 months and $256 every 16 months for 48" I wonder what it does to the energy bill, i know the MH (2x175W) add at least $20 a month to my bill.

Matt Rogers · 03-29-2005, 01:42 PM

Ahh. Well what's the wattage for each 48" bulb and how many would he need? Then we could guess at the bill.

I do really like the color of T-5s.. only big drag is no open top with them really.

03-29-2005, 07:26 PM

Well as far as cost T-5 is always on top for Equipment,bulbs and energy cost. Not to mention they run 10 cooler. But this is for my propagation tank for my other reef tanks. So i am concerned mianly upon growth and color. The question is, will t-5 do the same job as 250 MH?