Upgrading to T5 - input needed

[gkw]

Ok, I am thinking of upgrading my light. I was thinking about MH, but I don't know if it's worth it due to the high electricity bill...$20 extra a month is too much.

Now, since so many 3reefers recommend T5-HO, I am looking at them too. I have found these:

$450 - 8 X 80W T5 RETRO - 60" x 11.5" x 1"

and,

$600 - 8 X 80W T5 RETRO - 71" x 11.5" x 1"

The only different between them is the ~1' total length and $150. Can I save 150 bux by going a feet shorter than my tank? or should I just get the 6' one?

Also, on the website, it's "T5" and not "T5-HO," are they the same? If not, how do they compares?

What can I keep under these lights (640w T5) I posted? Can I keep clams?

Thanks!
GKW

[Covey]

I have heard nothing but bad things about them. Here is a little reading for you.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=824797

I am going for a 6x80 on my 150G. I will be running 2 Icecap 660 and it will be around 600W. With 6 plus bulbs of quailty T-5 lighting you will be able to keep whatever you want but I wouldn't suggest the Catalina's to anyone.

[Covey]

As far a good choices check out reefgeek for the 60" the Sunlight Supply and the Icecap retro are both good choices.
http://www.reefgeek.com/categories/lighting.html

[Bruce]

I would also check out reef geek. Im not sure but the one you linked us too are just t-5? im not sure how the 80w t-5 compare to the 54w t-5ho. I know people with 100gal tanks with the 8x54wt-5ho that keep sps and clams t-5ho are awsome!

[Covey]

They are T-5ho they are just the the ultra shady chinese import t-5ho. Check the stories in that thread I wouldn't want any part of that.

[gkw]

Man, no wonder their prices are so good! Thanks for letting me know!

I now might make my MH using the advance magnetic ballast. How much higher the electricity bill for 500watt MH ususally?

Thanks!

[Covey]

Well take your local energy cost and plug it into here.
http://www.3reef.com/sitemodules-Calculators.html

[gkw]

Thanks Covey! Didn't know we have that here.

Also, does 500watts of T5 equal to 500watts of MH when using electricity? I thought fluoresent would use less than what it output.

Thanks!

[Diver_1298]

500 watts is 500 watts. It doesn't matter what is consuming it
It's all the same on the electric bill.
As far as how much light your aquarium would see... You would need a lux meter or a par meter to tell which one is putting out a stronger light source.

Jim

[Covey]

T-5HO puts out around 40% light per watt versus MH.