Help me switch fron HO-T5 to Metal Halide:

[scrapman]

I have had a Current HO-T5 fixture (6 bulbs) for years. Just changed the bulbs.
When I come back from a LFS, I want to cry when I see how dim and boring my light is...
Time to switch to MH?
My tank is a very established 90 gal: 48x24x18. Four fish, inverts, soft corals/nothing fancy. LS, plenty of LR.
Please advise what could be the best choice: brand/model
Thanks

 

[geoj]

48" Current USA Outer
Orbit 2x150W 10,000K
HQI-MH w/ 4x54W
T5 HO & 18 Lunar Lights* This item has been discontinued
If you can't find somthing like this Current then look at these LEDs from AquaIllumination Super Sol blue LED Lighting System

 

[wangotango]

What bulbs are you using? Most T5-lit tanks I've seen are actually brighter than most halide-lit tanks I've seen (although shadowing has a lot to do with that).
What's nice about T5 is that your can mix a whole bunch of different bulbs to bring out certain colors better. A new combination might be an easier route.

 

[pmac85]

I'm interested to hear about this as well... I've got the same sized tank as the OP, housing just 2 fish (for now), inverts, soft corals, an anemone, LS/LR. My goal is to eventually build this into a reef/fish tank. But right now I've just got two Aquatic life T5-HO fixtures (four bulbs total). My only concern is cost, but I guess that's an issue for most people haha.
Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread scrapman, I just figured I'd chime in, since our setups sound pretty simillar.

 

[nikesb]

i dont think its t5's thats making your tank seem dim? its your fixture, my old current fixture was only as bright as my ati when it was 4" above the surface. I have my ati at 14" above the water. if you do decided mh, look for decent reflectors instead of choosing a fixture

 

[pmac85]

While searching on eBay, I came across a pretty affordable setup which has: 2x 150w HQI MH, 2x 54w T5 HO, and some LED Moonlights, would a setup such as this be suitable for a tank this size? I'd put a link to it, but I don't think you're allowed to on this forum

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by PMac85 http:///forum/thread/381539/help-me-switch-fron-ho-t5-to-metal-halide#post_3325809
While searching on eBay, I came across a pretty affordable setup which has: 2x 150w HQI MH, 2x 54w T5 HO, and some LED Moonlights, would a setup such as this be suitable for a tank this size? I'd put a link to it, but I don't think you're allowed to on this forum
DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At least until you can give more details. What is the brand? Is it new or used? IMO, you will be kicking yourself in the future if you do not buy from a reputable seller brand new with full disclosure not from the bay.