t5ho vs mh ????

tst400 · Aug 4, 2011

ok guys looking for some insight on which route to go.... 4 bulb t5 with leds or mh with t5..i have a 95g wave front which currently does not have enough light, this was my first reef tank and wanted to get things rolling, so i have 2 t5 with leds. i now want to start getting into some different corals where more light will be needed. my biggest concerns are heat and space.. space because i opted to not do a sump so have a hang on skimmer which takes up some room.. heat because i live in az and dont keep my house to cool because im not home till evening so leave ac down. my tank currently stay between 79 and max 80.3. any thoughts would be appreciated.

revhtree · Aug 4, 2011

Hello and welcome to R2R!

I would go with the t-5's and led's due to the heat issue. You can also come up with some awesome color combos as well. Any reason not to just go all LED?

Jerad · Aug 5, 2011

revhtree said:
Hello and welcome to R2R!

I would go with the t-5's and led's due to the heat issue. You can also come up with some awesome color combos as well. Any reason not to just go all LED?

Totally agree. The only problems I have with LED is lack of color options and shimmer (I dont like shimmer much but... most people do)

GR808 · Aug 5, 2011

+1 to Rev's response
the heat issue would be a major concern for you with MH. the T5s can give you good coloration if you use them for atinics or fiji purple. Leds come in alot of color combos now so you will have a good choice to choose from. I had T5s and it wasn't enough light for my 120 but I have all LED now and am extremely happy with them. IMO, a mostly dominant LED with T5 supplement would be an awesome combo.

Netta Fish · Aug 5, 2011

rev sorry to hijack the thread but i need to replace my t5s its a 48 inch x 6 bulb for a 120 reef sps and lps..can you recommend the best combo and brand of bulbs. once again sorry for hijacking

Netta Fish · Aug 5, 2011

rev sorry to hijack the thread but i need to replace my t5s its a 48 inch x 6 bulb for a 120 reef sps and lps..can you recommend the best combo and brand of bulbs. once again sorry for hijacking

revhtree said:
Hello and welcome to R2R!

I would go with the t-5's and led's due to the heat issue. You can also come up with some awesome color combos as well. Any reason not to just go all LED?

revhtree · Aug 5, 2011

Jerad said:
Totally agree. The only problems I have with LED is lack of color options and shimmer (I dont like shimmer much but... most people do)

I have never had more color options than I do now since switching to led's plus I have more, yes more shimmer than I did with mh's. I am using dimmable led fixtures.

revhtree · Aug 5, 2011

Netta Fish said:
rev sorry to hijack the thread but i need to replace my t5s its a 48 inch x 6 bulb for a 120 reef sps and lps..can you recommend the best combo and brand of bulbs. once again sorry for hijacking

Ah

Have you ever seen Sunnyx's tanks? Let me find the link and then you will have an idea of some nice combos.

Netta Fish · Aug 5, 2011

thanks rev i appreciate it

revhtree said:
Ah

Have you ever seen Sunnyx's tanks? Let me find the link and then you will have an idea of some nice combos.

skinz78 · Aug 5, 2011

Netta Fish said:
rev sorry to hijack the thread but i need to replace my t5s its a 48 inch x 6 bulb for a 120 reef sps and lps..can you recommend the best combo and brand of bulbs. once again sorry for hijacking

I just upgraded my T5 bulbs and did 3 ATI Blue Plus and 3 ATI Aquablue Special, I love the combo.

skinz78 · Aug 5, 2011

Netta Fish said:
rev sorry to hijack the thread but i need to replace my t5s its a 48 inch x 6 bulb for a 120 reef sps and lps..can you recommend the best combo and brand of bulbs. once again sorry for hijacking

I just upgraded my T5 bulbs and did 3 ATI Blue Plus and 3 ATI Aquablue Special, I love the combo.

Netta Fish · Aug 5, 2011

skinz78 said:
I just upgraded my T5 bulbs and did 3 ATI Blue Plus and 3 ATI Aquablue Special, I love the combo.

the aqua blue special is that on the whiter side. im looking for the best color and growth

Netta Fish · Aug 5, 2011

skinz78 said:
I just upgraded my T5 bulbs and did 3 ATI Blue Plus and 3 ATI Aquablue Special, I love the combo.

the aqua blue special is that on the whiter side?. im looking for the best color and growth

skinz78 · Aug 5, 2011

Yes it is, since installing them I can see new growth on my SPS's daily and the colors are insane. I think I have some pic's in my tank thread near the end of it. Check it out, the link is in my signature.

Netta Fish · Aug 5, 2011

skinz78 said:
Yes it is, since installing them I can see new growth on my SPS's daily and the colors are insane. I think I have some pic's in my tank thread near the end of it. Check it out, the link is in my signature.

thanks skinz the tank looks awesome hows the growth for lps?

skinz78 · Aug 5, 2011

Lps growth is very good! My Chalices have to be on the bottom and some in the shade though.

Jerad · Aug 5, 2011

Rev, I guess I can see where you are coming from with more options, but I want more bulbs near 410nm in my fixture and it cost ridiculous amounts of money for them at this moment. 3W Ultra Bright UV Violet LED

tst400 · Aug 5, 2011

yea i also thought of all led, i love the ecoxotics i have they are just so dam expensive. give off good shimmer light is awesome and many color options.

tst400 · Aug 5, 2011

i guess the t5 led combo would be the best bet as i already have some leds, and i do use ati bulbs already.. the aqua blues and purple plus do make for some good lighting....thanks for all the feedback guys..rev what kind of leds you using????