Which would you pick?

novahobbies

novahobbies

Well-Known Member
I'm finally getting geared up to re-start my 110 after a long time in storage. I'm looking at MH lighting for the tank (LEDs still too far out of my budget, otherwise I'd be ALL over that) and I'm not sure which would be more preferable. I'm looking at a 608W system that has 2 250W MH's and 2 54W T5's for actinic. My other option is a 716W system that has 2 250W MH's and 4 54W T5's for actinics. As I plan on swapping the bulbs out for nicer bulbs immediately, I'm not really sure if the extra 2 54W bulbs are even necessary. The tank is a standard 110 -- 48 inches wide, 18 inches front to back, 30 inches tall. Which set would you choose, if you had the choice? Why?
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
The two bulb T5 unit would be plenty. What MH Kelvin are you looking at? What are you going to be switching the T5's out with?
I pick the two bulb system because I think 4 would be overkill. It's been recently discovered that most corals - even SPS corals, don't completely rely on light as a food source, but rather particulate matter floating in the water column. The degree Kelvin of your bulbs is just what color temp you personally prefer. I personally prefer 10k bulbs, and even some 12k in LEDs, of course supplemented with 420nm-460nm actinic bulbs.
Let us know in this thread what you've chosen and why!
Are you purchasing a unit or building it yourself?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Personally, I would pick the 4 bulb T5 unit ....JUST because I love the look

On my 54G before I got the LED set up, I had a 150W MH light that had 4 T5's
 
novahobbies

novahobbies

Well-Known Member
At this point, I'm open to options. I was even toying with the idea of an 8-bulb T5 setup, but I know I would miss the shimmer of the MHs....
 
btwk12

btwk12

Member
i am like meow, i like the blue color better. so if you go with a 14k bulb, and you like the blue color as well, i would go with the 4 bulb t-5. but if you don't mind a more yellow color than the 2 t-5's will be fine because the halides will be enough light to keep any coral you want. my buddy just set up a tank with 20k halides and 2 t-5's and it's still not as blue as my t-5 setup with ati blue+ bulbs. i personally like an all t-5 setup (no heat/better color) but with as deep as your tank is your going to need a good fixture to penetrate that deep. (and plus no shimmer with t-5)
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
That light is very similar to the Outer Orbit MH and T5....and I LOVE IT
LOL....have a 24" one for sale....and soon will have a 72" but on other sites :(
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I'd vote the (4) T5's......that's a deep tank.....
Btwk12, LEDs have more than proven they can grow softies, and will handle just about anything you throw at them depending on the quality of LEDs.....
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/387526/which-would-you-pick#post_3411120
I'd vote the (4) T5's......that's a deep tank.....
Btwk12, LEDs have more than proven they can grow softies, and will handle just about anything you throw at them depending on the quality of LEDs.....
I think he maybe referring to the marineland reef capable LED's
 
btwk12

btwk12

Member
even the marineland ones? i hope they can handle anything i have some coming wednesday for my 100 gal lol! i got AI super blue though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/387526/which-would-you-pick#post_3411120
I'd vote the (4) T5's......that's a deep tank.....
Btwk12, LEDs have more than proven they can grow softies, and will handle just about anything you throw at them depending on the quality of LEDs.....
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
The Marineland Marine Series Pro Metal Halide 2X150W HQI & 4X54W T5, 48 inch Fixture is a sophisticated 24 hour lighting system with HQI metal halide lamps, T5 High Output lamps and LEDs for night lighting. This high end fixture is the perfect light for reef aquariums. The built in timer gives you independent control over the HQI, T5 and LED lights, and the single cord and internal ballasts minimize the clutter. this is the info on the system i was recommending
 
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