T5HO vs MH's

[coraljunkie]

Ok I would like to hear everyones opinion on the benefits and drawbacks of T5HO's as well as the benefits and drawbacks of MH's. Is one really that much better than the other when you compare initial price as well as operating costs.

 

[cveverly]

I have one tank T5 and one MH. I like the look of the MH better. It is more natural looking (shimmer lines). I feel MH will support a deeper tank but T5 gives a more even light. T5 allows you to mix and match bulbs to get the color you are looking for. If you do buy a T5 fixture make sure it has individual reflectors. The reflectors are the key to efficient T5 lighting.
BTW, a combo florescent metal halide will solve your dilemma.

 

[wangotango]

You're going to get an even split of T5ho and halide people.
halide pros: with a good reflector one bulb can light a large area (upto 3'x3'), give you a nice shimmering effect "natural looking"
halide cons: bulbs are expensive and need to be replaced every 10 months or so, depending on wattage and ventilation they can be a problem with heat
T5 pros: with good bulbs and reflectors it is easy to produce the same PAR as a decent halide setup, plenty of flexibility with bulb arrangements, heat can often be managed easier (still produce a lot of heat, but since it is spread out over a larger area it is easier to disperse), last 18-24 months (I replace them every 14-16 or so)
T5 cons: isnt cost effective for a larger tank, hard to light a tank deeper than 30" without overdriving the bulbs
I'm sure theres more, but these popped into my head first.
Personally I like T5. I've gotten colors out of my SPS that I have not seen under halides. Aquactinics is working on a T5ho/LED hybrid fixture that will give you the benefits of T5 but with the shimmer of halides.
Hope that helps.
-Justin

 

[nwdyr]

I just did this on another thread 2min ago.....I ma a VHO t5 guy

had both and for the reasons mentioned above I would go t5 for sure , I also got the best out of my corals with t5's and I have had pretty much everything at one time or another......Next thread

 

[chilwil84]

many people in europe have started replacing t5s in 6-9 months saying they lose there strength faster than we realize. not saying they are right(hope not cause i run t5s on both my reef tanks and 14 bulbs would suck to replace) but the cost of bulb replacement might be becoming mute. they were the ones to start changing their halides every 6-9 months first.