MH or T5?

[garvondavis14]

I'm starting up my 63g.. building a reef...i was wondering what would be a better choice, two 250W Metal halides or 8-tube t5? I was wondering performance-wise, and also money-wise...the initial cost of the setup isn't important, but the cost that will add up from bulb replacement. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

MH hands down.

 

[Unarce]

T5's are nice and I've seen some great coral pics under them on this site alone, but once you see those shimmer lines in your tank, you'll forget about all the other options.

 

[Fastmarc]

Having finally seen T5's, I can tell you that even with the great reflectors they come with, they are no brighter than PC's (which I presently use).
Hands down, for intensity, MH is the way to go.

 

[Anonymous]

Halides.

 

[Len]

Halides for me as well. I've owned both T5s and MH, and I prefer MH.

 

[Anonymous]

For the two setups you mentioned metal halides, but not because of shimmer lines, those are over rated IMO Of course that's a lot of light for a 63 gallon tank, I assume you're going to turn it into clams or SPS corals mostly? You might be going a little overkill otherwise.

 

[Anonymous]

The replacement costs will be about the same.

 

[sslarison]

MH all the way. Ignore the hype.