Stay with T5's or Switch to MH's?

[SaltWaterDave]

Right now I'm currently running 8x54w T5's over my 75g tank. I've been running this lighting setup for almost 2 years with pretty good results. I also have (2) 250W MH setups that I've been reluctant to switch too. They're Sunlight Supply Lumen Max 2 Pendants with Aquamedic Reflex ballasts. They're still new and in the box. Any opinions on what to do with my lighting?

 

[Salty Dog]

My 250g display use's 4- 250 w halides with 4 39w T-5 and a VHO upgrade kit using 4 vho bulbs . My lps frag tank is led lighting , my sps frag tank is 250w halides with actincs

 

[SaltWaterDave]

If I were to switch to the MH I would like to supplement with LED's as well.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

I guess my real question is if I'd get better growth and color results from the MH vs the T5's?

 

[ronnie]

I've ran both. Both gave me great growth.

I'm sticking with T5s for the energy savings and the ability to customize the look by changing one bulb instead of having to run an $80 MH bulb for 15 months.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Thanks Ronnie and Salty Dog

 

[Salty Dog]

remeber lighting is key to bright color and growth

 

[ronnie]

remeber lighting is key to bright color and growth

It is ONE key.... ;)

There are several, IMO

flow - nutrients - lighting - stability

 

[returnofsid]

remeber lighting is key to bright color and growth

It is ONE key.... ;)

There are several, IMO

flow - nutrients - lighting - stability

AMEN!

Honestly, I believe that lighting is overrated, as to how important it actually is. Don't get me wrong, lighting is important, but there are other "keys" that are just as important, if not more so.

Hiker, I'd stick with the T5s, if I were you. I ran a 75, with a 6 bulb Tek5, for 5 years, with phenomenal SPS growth! That same 6 bulb Tek5 is now sitting next to a 4 bulb Tek5, over my 200 Deep Dimension, which is 27" deep. I can keep Acropora/Clams on the sand bed, if I want to, and I have. I'm not talking T. derasa or A. valida either. I'm currently keeping 2 T. maximas on the sand bed. I've also had frags of HIGH LIGHT demanding SPS, fall, from my racks, and left them on the sand bed, where they thrive, grow and retain excellent color.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Thanks for all the feedback. I guess I'll continue to stick with the T5's. I haven't had any issues with them, but I thought that MH's might give me more par and that might give me more vivid colors.

 

[Aquaph8]

Dave, I vote for T5. I love my T5s and Im never going back.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Thanks Brett. That seems to be the general consensus.

 

[Troylee]

Run the halides with t5 and led supplements it's the best of all worlds haha..... I currently run a 250mh 4t5s and 36 royal blue LEDs and must say it's the nicest color I have ever saw on any tank IMHO!!!! Growth I'm positive will be awesome when the tank settles in since all 3 are tried and true for corals solely.....

 

[ronnie]

I'm actually going to DIY a couple of "stunner" strips for both tanks. 24 LEDs on the 120 gallon and probably 16 on the 40B. That should get me some really nice actinic pop and maybe even some shimmer.