t5 vs mh help

Apollo · 02-25-2008, 02:00 AM

What do you guys perfer t5's or mh? Please back up your opinion. I was looking at buying new lighting for my aquarium. I have a 115 tank. 48x18x29 something like that. I seen a couple setups on ebay and was interested in them.

First is t5

48'' 6X 54 T5 Retro Brand New Aquarium Light Moon - eBay (item 120225155690 end time Feb-28-08 05:41:16 PST)

Then Mh

2X 400 Metal Halide Retro w/ bulbs aquarium light New - eBay (item 350025441892 end time Feb-18-08 05:53:43 PST)

Now, i think if i was to go with the mh's i would add some vhos to it as well. Not to sure. But I have seen some people talking highly about the t5's with a reflector for each.

Let me know. Thanks

Notturnia · 02-25-2008, 02:46 AM

here in italy all will tell you to use 2x250W HQI (MH for you) and then upgrade on 400W only if required.. so 2x250W + 2 blu T2

T5 are a good choice if you have heat trouble in summer.. new tank i'll make will have probably T5 to reduce the heat trouble in summer.. but i really love the HQI (MH.. sry..)

the light/dark they make in the water is unsurpassed.. some are using T5 and 1 small 70W MH to recreate the effect..

so.. heat trouble -> T5
otherway.. get the MH

but 2x400 seems to be a bit much.. unless you will keep plenty of SPS

coral reefer · 02-25-2008, 05:49 AM

I prefer to use metal halides, and the DE HQI style as opposed to the mogul twist style. The intensity is greater and you have only one heat zone with the HQI, whereas you have two with the mogul type which can burn corals.
I love the glitter lines provided with halides, they penetrate deeper inyour tank to hit corals and clams in the benthic areas of your tank. The success ratio is better and the proven track record is greater with keeping Tridacna Clams by using metal halides.
As for the heat issue, just incorporate a room fan into your set-up to allow evaporational cooling to reduce the heat given off by the halides, this will keep the temperature of your water more stable without having to spend alot of money on a chiller.

Apollo · 02-25-2008, 02:25 PM

Do you guys really think 2 400s is to much for a 115? I will be putting plenty of sps and other corals in the tank. I will add acintics to the mixture as well. Let me know. Thanks

aquaboy · 02-25-2008, 02:28 PM

thats not too much. if you plan on doing clams and sps, you'll need them.

Apollo · 02-25-2008, 02:32 PM

Do you think the link I provided contains soemthing of value or do you think that setup would be junk?

2X 400 Metal Halide Retro w/ bulbs aquarium light New - eBay (item 350025441892 end time Feb-18-08 05:53:43 PST)

aquaboy · 02-25-2008, 02:47 PM

i say that they would work. But arent gonna be "Fancy" like electronic ballasts. I use a magnetic ballast by PFO lighting and it kicks buttocks. that seller isnt selling only Oddyssea fixtures. he is selling Catalina light fixtures. heres their site......

Catalina Aquarium Lighting

Apollo · 02-25-2008, 10:48 PM

Any other opinions on the 2x400 set up from ebay?

Notturnia · 02-25-2008, 11:09 PM

please.. if you go on the MH do not buy that silly reflectors..

use Lumenarc.. Reef Exotics

dont know this seller.. but find and buy lumenarc.. they are the best reflector for reef tank we use in EU..

from test we did they reflect more light then normal reflectors and they have a better light distribution.