so which light is better?

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by jay02483, Apr 22, 2009.

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  1. jay02483

    jay02483 Bristle Worm

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    jay02483, Apr 22, 2009
    jay02483, Apr 22, 2009
    #1

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  2. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

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    Well, I've never used either but I'd think MH + T5 would be better, T5 has way better light penetration than PC's do
     
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    #2
  3. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    I would go with the Current too, T5s are nicer and they aren't terrible fixtures, a nice middle of the road fixture.
     
    GuitarMan89, Apr 22, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Apr 22, 2009
    #3
  4. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

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    after looking at the details the hamilton uses a mogul mh bulb which some have some bad things to say about, they dont tend to be as effective as a hqi, what size tank is this going on anyway? may be better off to just spend a little less money and go with a 6x39 t5 array
     
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    #4
  5. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    Hamilton gets my vote. T5s are so important. Necessary IMHO.
     
    PharmrJohn, Apr 22, 2009
    PharmrJohn, Apr 22, 2009
    #5
  6. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

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    Current has PC not T5, Hamilton has T5 but uses a SE Mogul bulb instead of a DE HQI
     
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    #6

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  7. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    Better is often in the eye of the beholder.....

    Many people use SE bulbs and love them. Most of the higher wattage lamps are SE lamps, most SE lamps have more spectrums to choose from as well.

    Regardless of what you choose look for combo fixtures that do NOT use PCs... The are ineffiecent, cost way to much to replace and need to be replaced about every 8-10months. Look for a MH/T5 combo or if you can't look for only T5. You will be alot happier than buying a fixture with the PCs that are on their way out of the hobby as is.

    What are you trying to grow/keep?

    Happy reefing!
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Apr 22, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Apr 22, 2009
    #7
  8. papareef

    papareef Feather Duster

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    Why not just go all T5's..go with a tek.My son had a 150 brand name fixture on his 20 gallon cube.The zoas were streching for light 6 inches away from the centre of the bulb.He now runs a 2 tube tek,and everything is happy,and growing.
     
    papareef, Apr 22, 2009
    papareef, Apr 22, 2009
    #8
  9. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

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    I actually agree with papa, I run tek t5's on 2 of my tanks and love them, imo best fixture on the market short of the maristars and those are the same brand just mh/t5 combo
     
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    Iraf, Apr 22, 2009
    #9
  10. Annie3410

    Annie3410 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    hamilton makes a fixture called belize sun. its DE HQI + T5s, and it is super sleek looking... so if its gonna be out in the open for all to see, you should look it up. i think aquacave carries them.
     
    Annie3410, Apr 22, 2009
    Annie3410, Apr 22, 2009
    #10