MH or T5?

[Oceanslayer18]

Ive looked all ovet and its come down to this.. I need yalls expertise. Im setting up a 125 gallon tank which is 6 feet long so I already now this light will not be cheap.. So with that being stated which should I use T5 or MH? I know the broad spand of bulbs there are of bulbs and I know MH arent cheap to run. So I need help deciding.

 

[Gondore]

My vote is for T5. I ran MHs for 2-3 years and was a big fan, after having run T5s for about a year now though I won't be going back to MHs.

 

[skinz78]

+1 for T5's

 

[Reef Pets]

Myself, I have to vote for MH's. I think you will probably get an even amount of opinions between the two, possibly even a higher vote for T5's. I have used both and myself I really like Metal Halide. On the the other hand, T5's are much more versatile then it comes to light spectrum, they offer an endless color variety.

 

[Oceanslayer18]

I know its back and forth. I had an ATI fixture now on my 75 and its amazing. But ive been told to keep growing acro's in my tank i may wanna go with MH..so idk
couldnt i just put the acros higher up in the tank?

 

[skinz78]

I currently have a ton of acro's in my 120g which has a 6 bulb T5 fixture, I can watch new growth every day and some of my SPS are in the bottom 1/3 of my tank.

 

[Oceanslayer18]

Really? Well that's great in that case only problem is finding a good 72 inch light

 

[mfinn]

I like mh myself.
If you can make your own canopy, getting into a retrofit mh kit (or used) can be cheaper.

 

[skinz78]

Get a couple of these, they are over driven and they come with bulbs so it is a great price IMHO.

Hellolights 36" 4 LampT5 Retrofit Kit (Bulbs Included)

 

[Oceanslayer18]

Get a couple of these, they are over driven and they come with bulbs so it is a great price IMHO.

Hellolights 36" 4 LampT5 Retrofit Kit (Bulbs Included)

Thanks skinz!

 

[Captain Nemo]

Why not do a combo of both, that way you get the best of both, just my opnion.....

 

[Oceanslayer18]

Why not do a combo of both, that way you get the best of both, just my opnion.....

I want to ive just heard how much it cost to.run them and im 18 and live with my parents and I think they are gunns kill me with the electric bill lol

 

[Viva'sReef]

I've ditched my MH/T5 combo for a 6 bulb T5 fixture and loving it

 

[drainbamage]

The cost in running is definitely in favor of T5's for your situation (a 6 ft 125 isn't that tall, so you don't need the penetrating power of a MH.) MH's are going to run you more on your electric bill, and if you require a chiller to keep the tank cool, you're paying that much more for electricity.

That said- both options will work if you're trying to figure out if one is better for certain corals or not- so do your research by visiting some local tanks that run different setups and see if there's one you like the look of more than the other.

 

[patent]

I use both, but if cost is the motivator I'd go for T5. You could also split it, set up 2/3 tank with a 4 foot 4-6 bulb T5 setup and the other side with a 2 foot T5 and a MH (or just MH).

 

[florida reef]

I use t-5's. I like the ability to tweak the color of the lighting.

 

[nater]

i'd say it would depend on what you are really going to want to keep coral wise in your tank. if you are going to go for a mixed reef and can stand changing out alot of bulbs go t5. if you want to go full blown sps and want to change out two bulbs every 9 months go halide. i don't think that t5 is less energy or cost efficient then halide. just a misconception. all depends on what you really want to keep in your tank. i run two 250 halides and have no need for a chiller. depends on where you live , and seeing that your from florida , you might need a chiller any how, lol.

 

[drainbamage]

i'd say it would depend on what you are really going to want to keep coral wise in your tank. if you are going to go for a mixed reef and can stand changing out alot of bulbs go t5. if you want to go full blown sps and want to change out two bulbs every 9 months go halide. i don't think that t5 is less energy or cost efficient then halide. just a misconception. all depends on what you really want to keep in your tank. i run two 250 halides and have no need for a chiller. depends on where you live , and seeing that your from florida , you might need a chiller any how, lol.

Had a twin 150 halide fixture that ran 4 48" supplimentary T5's (as in non-HO or VHO)- swapped that fixture for a 4-48" teklight (overdriven ballast) and the electric bill dropped $60 a month- so I'd say there's a pretty decent difference just in that.

 

[jestr]

Hey bro you know im local.. I run 6 retro/ ready ten t5s at 60" I have had a haddoni and for a.long time a gigantae anemone on the sides no ill effect I now have some sps in my sand on my 180 no problem. Before I had mh I liked them but never going back.. ill pm you my # just in case you want to check it out im by sea in the city

 

[macon77]

Why not do a combo of both, that way you get the best of both, just my opnion.....

Bingo. We have a winner.