Hmm.. which light should I buy?

[bizzmoneyb]

I need a new light for my new 90 gal 24" tall tank.
I can buy a used Coralife 48" 2 x 250W HQI Metal Halide Lamp w/ 2 x 96W CF Lamps and 4 x 1w LED for $500
or
A new 48" Nova Extreme Pro 6 x 54 watt T5HO - new around $350.
Should I pop the extra $150 for the metal halide unit? Im alittle nervous with the MH about excessive heat and electricity. What do you think?

 

[wangotango]

If it were just between the Nova Pro and that halide setup then I'd go with the halide setup. IMO the Pro doesn't have the juice for a deeper tank.
Heat shouldn't be too much of an issue if you use a few clamp-on fans on top of the tank or over your sump.
-Justin

 

[rebelprettyboy]

Out of the choices u listed id also go with the halide fixture.
I dont think the t5 6 bulb is gonna get the job done. Itd do fine with some softies and LPS, but not sps IMO. Maybe if u look into gettin the 8 bulb t5 fixture w indiv reflectors should be fine.

 

[wangotango]

Don't know how the prices compare with the halide fixture, but if you wanted to go T5ho my first choice would be the 7-bulb Aquactinics Constellation, and my second would be the 8-bulb TEK.
-Justin

 

[aquaguy24]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/2774470
Don't know how the prices compare with the halide fixture, but if you wanted to go T5ho my first choice would be the 7-bulb Aquactinics Constellation, and my second would be the 8-bulb TEK.
-Justin
both great fixtures, however they are about the same price as MH and does not come with bulbs installed..but u'll have a better option for mixing and matching bulbs tho..

 

[sushi man]

i think its all depend.. a lot of people and my self always go back to halide for the way the tank look. some thing about the glitter that the halide make.. but for save money i think t5ho is better , cause not use so much electric... once again, i think...