[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

If you had the choice? MH or T5's in this setup


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last
Results 1 to 10 of 17
  1. #1
    Tom Toro - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Milford Michigan
    Posts
    468
    First Name
    Tom

    Default If you had the choice? MH or T5's in this setup

    I have the choice of either:
    T5's 2x 48"fixtures (4 bulbs each, all 10k aquasun) or
    MH 3x 175w Hamilton ballasts, Iwasaki 14k bulbs

    My setup is a 8ftx2'x2' tank, acrylic with mostly softies, anemones and a couple of lps.


    Forgot to mention I have 165w x 2 of superactinic vho for color already.
    Thanks,
    Tom
    Last edited by Tom Toro; 10-29-2009 at 01:37 PM.
    240g Great Lakes Glass! ETSS1400/panworld250,LED 120wX4 AJM, LED,2x sunbrite ,Tunzex4/,200gal sump/mixed reef/Biopellets. Hammerhead return. UV 57w. Chiller.

    135g down and given to a buddy. New pic after the wall is repaired.

  2. #2
    jojo22 - Reefkeeper Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Canton, Ohio
    Posts
    2,828

    Default

    MH all the way. Not only will you get a nice shimmer effect, but you will also leave your self the option of adding any coral you want, without a lighting worry.
    Does water always taste like salt and poo????


  3. #3
    ReeferRob - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    CORAL CITY U.S.A
    Posts
    3,367
    First Name
    Rob
    Awards Photo of the Month

    Default

    I prefer T5 for cooler running temp and cheeper electric bills. But of the two the MH has a better bulb color. MH is over kill for softies and anemones, but like Jojo said you can add anything you want. Then again with T5's you can keep anything you want too!


    Flip a coin!
    "We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
    "If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys

  4. #4
    Mike - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    1,281

    Default

    My preference is MH as well.
    anacroporamademepoora
    --Lifetime member of the "No Mud Club".:

  5. #5
    jojo22 - Reefkeeper Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Canton, Ohio
    Posts
    2,828

    Default

    I think the MH gives for a more realistic look. The shimmer and coral colors are just more real to me, not just dumping a ton of blue light on a tank to make the corals pop. If I wanted that look in my house a black light and some colored paint would do the trick. I prefer to see what I think it would look like if I was on a scuba trip.
    Does water always taste like salt and poo????


  6. #6

    Default

    I would also go with MH but 175s lack the "punch" to penetrate 24".

  7. #7
    Mike - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    1,281

    Default

    What Andy said

    Go with 250's instead of the 175's
    anacroporamademepoora
    --Lifetime member of the "No Mud Club".:

  8. #8
    Tom Toro - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Milford Michigan
    Posts
    468
    First Name
    Tom

    Default

    But that's the deal I have. I have 3 extra 175's laying around and T5's laying around. Sounds like from the responses, I need to try the Halides. I'm hoping it has enough punch for the softies and lps. Right now they're growing (although slowly) on 7 (1 yr old +) T5's.

    Thanks for the replies, Folks. Halides it is.
    240g Great Lakes Glass! ETSS1400/panworld250,LED 120wX4 AJM, LED,2x sunbrite ,Tunzex4/,200gal sump/mixed reef/Biopellets. Hammerhead return. UV 57w. Chiller.

    135g down and given to a buddy. New pic after the wall is repaired.

  9. #9
    jojo22 - Reefkeeper Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Canton, Ohio
    Posts
    2,828

    Default

    So if you have the stuff laying around why not go 10K halides (they make the coral grow better than a 14K) and use the t-5's for acintics?? That would be the perfect set up. and if it's too blue you can swap a blue bulb for a 10-14k to get the look you want.

    If I had the stuff laying around that is exactly the route I would go.
    Does water always taste like salt and poo????


  10. #10
    Tom Toro - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Milford Michigan
    Posts
    468
    First Name
    Tom

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jojo22 View Post
    So if you have the stuff laying around why not go 10K halides (they make the coral grow better than a 14K) and use the t-5's for acintics?? That would be the perfect set up. and if it's too blue you can swap a blue bulb for a 10-14k to get the look you want.

    If I had the stuff laying around that is exactly the route I would go.
    Sounds good. Now to polish up the reflectors. Thanks.
    240g Great Lakes Glass! ETSS1400/panworld250,LED 120wX4 AJM, LED,2x sunbrite ,Tunzex4/,200gal sump/mixed reef/Biopellets. Hammerhead return. UV 57w. Chiller.

    135g down and given to a buddy. New pic after the wall is repaired.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last

Similar Topics

  1. Salt & Water Salt Choice
    By ETBReefer05 in forum Basics
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 07-29-2013, 05:59 PM
  2. Lighting/ T5 need some t5 bulb choice help
    By jolson10450 in forum Hardware
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 04-22-2011, 01:18 PM
  3. Substrate & Liverock Tough Substrate Choice.!!!
    By MedicMike in forum Basics
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-24-2006, 07:47 PM
  4. Water Treatment Skimmers... so many and only one choice
    By PhatBrdr427 in forum Hardware
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 09-12-2005, 10:44 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us