avalanche1201 Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I need a new bulb for my MH 175w MH pendant, but I dont like of it so I am thinking of doing a light upgrade soon (month or so) It will either be a MH, thinking of a 150w Sunpod, or a nice T5 system. I am searching forums for info on both. I want to save some money so I am thinking the T5 b/c I know its cheaper, and I believe the bulbs last longer any suggestions on where to look for more info or any suggestions? Tank is a 24g AP, no SPS, but I want to get some later on as well as a clam. thanks -scott Link to comment
Nikon187 Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 i think a sunpod would be best, especially if you want a clam. ( T5 can support a clam but i think with enough bulbs to do it it would be too wide and long for your tank) I personally love T5 for bulb choices. What are the tank specs? Link to comment
121a Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Smallest useful T-5 is 24". You NEED individual reflectors for a clam. Good ones, like TEK2 or Icecap (best of the best). Go with metal halide you'll be happy. Link to comment
ZoeS Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I tried PCs, MHs and T5s over my 28G bowfront, all within a few months. I had PCs for a year then upgraded to MH... I hated the halides. The ballast box was annoying, the reflector was ugly, it got was too hot, ate up way too much power, and the light wasn't all that nice - but I like bright white light, not this deep blue that others seem to reallt enjoy. I just went to T5s and they are the best yet! Even with 3 actinics and one aquablue, the tank is very bright (although I want to swap on the actinics because it is too blue). You can keep clams with good quality T5HO. I think MH may be a "simpler" solution, but IME, T5s are much better. Link to comment
avalanche1201 Posted January 21, 2008 Author Share Posted January 21, 2008 I have been thinking of the T5's and have been looking around. My roommate and I are planning to build a fish tank bar when we get an apt, it will be at least 55g (I want bigger) so T5's may be more reasonable then to help save a lot of money over a 48" MH. I am thinking of the sunpod now but they are so damn expensive. Are there any good DIY MH out there? Any good sites that sell the parts? Link to comment
Nikon187 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 nano customs, nano tuners, coralife clamp on? For the 55 a 6 bulb T5 combo would be great for the tank and you could have a clam and SPS hellolights.com Link to comment
HecticDialectics Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 www.reefexotics.com sells some of the -best- MH reflectors on the market. www.reefgeek.com has some of the best deals on T5 retro kits (their kits include your choice of name-brand bulbs, which more than makes up for the 'price difference' between other sites) Link to comment
colerphon Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 I am having the same issue. I cant decide whether to go with the t5's or MH. I have a 12 gal ap. and I had a 36" t5 nova extreme over it and I just loved the intensity of the white, not too blue. While just across the room I have a 20g. running a brand new sunpod 150w 14k and it looks too pink, and not even the zoos pop as much as the t5's. So based on this alone I would go t5. My question (not intending to hijack) is do t5's produce enough light for corals of all ranges to grow well? Link to comment
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