250W MH or T5

James11 · 05/04/2007, 01:48 PM

Hey everbody, I'm setting up a 29 gallon acrylic when I move into my house I just bought. I have a a 250W MH with 20K bulb that needs a new ballast, I can't use 220V. But I'm leanig towards not using it and going with T5's. If I do that what are some good T5 kits to look at, I want my lighting to look as good as possible, plus I want my corals to grow. So if anyone has some reccomendations or personal experience, please let me know.

papagimp · 05/04/2007, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by James11
I want my lighting to look as good as possible, plus I want my corals to grow.

This will devlope into several debates, what looks good to one, may not to another. For instance, I really really like the shimmer I get from my 250w MH fixture, but I enjoy the ability to mix and match bulbs with my T5 fixture more. They both look just as good in my opinion, and growth is good in both tanks. I did choose the T5's for my larger tank since I do not run a chiller and heat is a big issue for my house. Once I get my 220g project underway, I'll be investing in a chiller so I can use MH on it. Well, most likely anyways, alot can happen by the time I get to that point. May change my mind again. both are great lights.

James11 · 05/04/2007, 01:57 PM

I didn't even think about the debate over the two. I like the looks of the MH. I haven't ever used T5's before and was wondering how ggod they looked. I have seen some tanks with them before, but never in person. I should rephrase my question to what is a good company or brand of t5 lighting? Also, I will not be running a chiller so T5 seem more appropiate, things might change though.

Also, how do T5's look when put up against PC? I have PC now on my current tank.

papagimp · 05/04/2007, 02:03 PM

The T5's, minded you get individual reflectors and High Output T5 bulbs, they will look far more intense than PC's will. The small size of the bulbs (much skinnier than typical flourescent bulbs) allows for a parabolic reflector that hugs the bulb well and reflects so much more lighting down into the tank. Adds alot of intensity. I went from 4 x 65w PC's on my 55g to 4 x 54w T5's on the same tank and the difference was made apparent after just one day. Corals looked alot better, overall tank appearance was better, and coloration was definatly better. I'm using the 6 x 54w TekLight Fixture with hanging kit. Tek lights work great in my opinion. They don't shimmer like MH do, but if you can get past that (and I think you can after running PC's) than you'll love the difference they make.

James11 · 05/04/2007, 02:07 PM

That doesn't sound to bad, I can manage the shimmering part. What about size for a 29 gallon, would a 4 lamp fixture be enough, also what wattage to use. I have seen some fixtures that were 4 x 24, is that going to be strong enought if 2 are 12K-14K and the other 2 actinic?
Also, my tank is only 30X12X18

Rewd · 05/04/2007, 02:07 PM

I had this debate with myself as well. Both lights appear to have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

In the end I went with a 250W MH fixture and all I have to say is all of my other tanks that lack the shimmer look like crap to me now...

papagimp · 05/04/2007, 02:08 PM

a 4 bulb fixture, width about the same as tank, should suffice. I forget what wattages that size bulb is, but they should do.

James11 · 05/04/2007, 02:27 PM

I think they are 24W bulbs, will that get me close to a look of a 250W MH

papagimp · 05/04/2007, 02:31 PM

T5's won't give the same look as MH do, but you can get the same intense lighting. The color though will just depend on the bulbs you use.

Teknagen · 05/04/2007, 02:55 PM

Well it just depends on what corals you planning to get also.

I picked Tek T5 HO over mh for my 20g tank.
I'm only running two 24w bulbs aquablue and actinics.
They were way brighter then expected.

Currently I only softies & zoas in my tank.

Im not sure how normal output T5 will do.

Benefits of T5 HO vs MH I can think of are:
-Compact.. The T5 HO bulb is 3/4" or somethign and the reflectors is only about 2" diameter
-Less heat so a low canopy is fine.
-Easier to mix the bulbs for the color your looking for.

If you do get MH you will also need a source of actinic also. It won't look as nice with out it.

papagimp · 05/04/2007, 02:57 PM

Normal output T5's are just much much lower wattages, the same principles apply for the reflectors on either or, they really make a big difference, but the bulb themselves just are not as intense. If you want T5's at all, get HO ones, donot waste your time or money on normal output T5's.

cdangel0 · 05/04/2007, 03:01 PM

I recently upgraded from PC to T5s and couldn't be happoer. I do not have a canopy and did not have the ability to hang a light so that was a big factor - price was the other.

I immediately realized the improvment by the over-all look of my tank - in 3 days I got to see the improvement in color and extension of my corals.

I am now using a 6x39w catalina HO T5, 4 10K and 2 Acintic, and personally think it is amazing.

James11 · 05/04/2007, 03:14 PM

Oh ya thats the only way I would get T5 is if they are HO, would 4 24W T5 HO be enough on a 29 gallon. I have a small anemone, leather, pulsing zenia and some zoas. I plan on getting some lps and maybe a few sps.

reeftexas · 05/04/2007, 04:31 PM

I have a 4/54 current T5 HO in 55 gal.It does great for all my zoas
and mushrooms.the lighting looks nice also.Check out the Aquatinic T5 HO,They have the individual reflecrors.Very Nice!!

James11 · 05/04/2007, 10:58 PM

how many 24W T5 HO would I have to have to get the intensity of a 250W MH, would (2) 12-14K and (2) actinics be enough?

James11 · 05/07/2007, 07:26 AM

anybody?

kau_cinta_ku · 05/07/2007, 07:29 AM

4 T5HO's with good reflectors such as the icecap reflectors will be plenty on your tank. also using good bulbs help alot. i am using 2 blue+, 1 aqua blue, and 1 middayand the color is white with a little blue.

bluetang_2000 · 05/07/2007, 11:14 AM

How often do you have to replace the T5 bulbs?

James11 · 05/07/2007, 07:05 PM

I'm not for sure, but what I have read is that they can last 18 months, but let one of these other guys give you an answer

James11 · 05/07/2007, 07:15 PM

Does anyone have the T5 HO retro kit form hellolights, its $95. They are also running a special on TRU bulbs, $10 with your order, is that a good deal?
Also what would it look like of I had 2- TRU 10k, and 2 TRU actinics? I like a little bluer tint, but not much.

NeveSSL · 05/07/2007, 07:54 PM

Why not mix and match?

I have personally thought about using a 150W MH and 2x36w T5s for my tank... then you get the best of both worlds.

And Hellolights.com carries a retrofit kit just like that... in fact, its the one I'm thinking about getting.

Brandon

olds350racer · 05/07/2007, 08:15 PM

I have a 260W PC (2 act, 2 10k), a 330W VHO T12(1 10k, 2 act), and a dual 250w MH setup. To me the T12 just looks like more intense versus of the PC, but the 10k MH halides have a completely different (IMO- alot better) look. I have no idea how T12 compare to T5s... I would assume they have the same visual effect.

Henry Bowman · 05/07/2007, 08:36 PM

Look for retro kits at www.reefgeek.com they have a good reputation among the T5 users here on RC. AND, as stated before the Aquactinics fixtures are very good. Both companies have good reflectors. If you are going retro, upgrade to icecap ballasts to overdrive your lights.

You can get a pretty close match to the color of 250 MH lighting wiht T5's with the above listed mix. (2 actinics, 1 midday and a super actinic) the midday is about a 6-7K color, the superactinic is a 15K color and the actinics are well actinics.

The only thing you might miss is the shimmer lines. With overdriving the T5's you will get very intense light. Some of the units that the GrimReefer tested with icecap ballasts and individual reflectors had higher PAR than 250 W MH lights at the sandbed of a tank 18" deep. T5's have also been known to actually "melt" mushrooms at the bottom of a tank due to too bright a light.

Consider this, MH lighting is a point source and T5's produce light across the length of their bulb. The individual reflectors are very good at transferring all the light from the backside of the bulb into the tank. The point source light "looks" brighter due to it being a lot of light from a very small area. The T5 doesnt look as bright to the human eye because the light being produced is spread over a larger area.

I have an Aquactinics fixture and love it. It is VERY bright. I successfully keep SPS and clams in my tank with them.

Stick with ATI lamps, they have the best overall par and they should last at least 12 months, some say up to 18 months.

James11 · 05/08/2007, 07:53 AM

There a lot higher in price, then hellolights. I have a 250W MH in the box I ordered from a fellow member, I may just use that, but I need a ballast, I can't run 220V.
Does anyone have the T5 HO retro kit from hellolights.

James11 · 05/08/2007, 08:17 AM

I keep finding these TEK T5 retro kit, are they HO. I hear everyone say they love TEK T5 lights, just wondering.

05/04/2007, 01:48 PM	#1
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	250W MH or T5 Hey everbody, I'm setting up a 29 gallon acrylic when I move into my house I just bought. I have a a 250W MH with 20K bulb that needs a new ballast, I can't use 220V. But I'm leanig towards not using it and going with T5's. If I do that what are some good T5 kits to look at, I want my lighting to look as good as possible, plus I want my corals to grow. So if anyone has some reccomendations or personal experience, please let me know.

05/04/2007, 02:03 PM	#4
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	The T5's, minded you get individual reflectors and High Output T5 bulbs, they will look far more intense than PC's will. The small size of the bulbs (much skinnier than typical flourescent bulbs) allows for a parabolic reflector that hugs the bulb well and reflects so much more lighting down into the tank. Adds alot of intensity. I went from 4 x 65w PC's on my 55g to 4 x 54w T5's on the same tank and the difference was made apparent after just one day. Corals looked alot better, overall tank appearance was better, and coloration was definatly better. I'm using the 6 x 54w TekLight Fixture with hanging kit. Tek lights work great in my opinion. They don't shimmer like MH do, but if you can get past that (and I think you can after running PC's) than you'll love the difference they make. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

05/04/2007, 02:08 PM	#7
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	a 4 bulb fixture, width about the same as tank, should suffice. I forget what wattages that size bulb is, but they should do. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

05/04/2007, 02:31 PM	#9
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	T5's won't give the same look as MH do, but you can get the same intense lighting. The color though will just depend on the bulbs you use. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

05/04/2007, 02:57 PM	#11
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	Normal output T5's are just much much lower wattages, the same principles apply for the reflectors on either or, they really make a big difference, but the bulb themselves just are not as intense. If you want T5's at all, get HO ones, donot waste your time or money on normal output T5's. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

05/04/2007, 01:57 PM	#3
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	I didn't even think about the debate over the two. I like the looks of the MH. I haven't ever used T5's before and was wondering how ggod they looked. I have seen some tanks with them before, but never in person. I should rephrase my question to what is a good company or brand of t5 lighting? Also, I will not be running a chiller so T5 seem more appropiate, things might change though. Also, how do T5's look when put up against PC? I have PC now on my current tank.

05/04/2007, 02:07 PM	#5
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	That doesn't sound to bad, I can manage the shimmering part. What about size for a 29 gallon, would a 4 lamp fixture be enough, also what wattage to use. I have seen some fixtures that were 4 x 24, is that going to be strong enought if 2 are 12K-14K and the other 2 actinic? Also, my tank is only 30X12X18

05/04/2007, 02:07 PM	#6
Rewd Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: PA Posts: 324	I had this debate with myself as well. Both lights appear to have distinct advantages and disadvantages. In the end I went with a 250W MH fixture and all I have to say is all of my other tanks that lack the shimmer look like crap to me now...

05/04/2007, 02:27 PM	#8
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	I think they are 24W bulbs, will that get me close to a look of a 250W MH

05/04/2007, 02:55 PM	#10
Teknagen Unregistered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lake Forest Posts: 234	Well it just depends on what corals you planning to get also. I picked Tek T5 HO over mh for my 20g tank. I'm only running two 24w bulbs aquablue and actinics. They were way brighter then expected. Currently I only softies & zoas in my tank. Im not sure how normal output T5 will do. Benefits of T5 HO vs MH I can think of are: -Compact.. The T5 HO bulb is 3/4" or somethign and the reflectors is only about 2" diameter -Less heat so a low canopy is fine. -Easier to mix the bulbs for the color your looking for. If you do get MH you will also need a source of actinic also. It won't look as nice with out it.

05/04/2007, 03:01 PM	#12
cdangel0 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Delaware Posts: 905	I recently upgraded from PC to T5s and couldn't be happoer. I do not have a canopy and did not have the ability to hang a light so that was a big factor - price was the other. I immediately realized the improvment by the over-all look of my tank - in 3 days I got to see the improvement in color and extension of my corals. I am now using a 6x39w catalina HO T5, 4 10K and 2 Acintic, and personally think it is amazing.

05/04/2007, 03:14 PM	#13
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	Oh ya thats the only way I would get T5 is if they are HO, would 4 24W T5 HO be enough on a 29 gallon. I have a small anemone, leather, pulsing zenia and some zoas. I plan on getting some lps and maybe a few sps.

05/04/2007, 04:31 PM	#14
reeftexas Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: El Paso,Texas Posts: 833	I have a 4/54 current T5 HO in 55 gal.It does great for all my zoas and mushrooms.the lighting looks nice also.Check out the Aquatinic T5 HO,They have the individual reflecrors.Very Nice!!

05/04/2007, 10:58 PM	#15
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	how many 24W T5 HO would I have to have to get the intensity of a 250W MH, would (2) 12-14K and (2) actinics be enough?

05/07/2007, 07:26 AM	#16
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	anybody?

05/07/2007, 07:29 AM	#17
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	4 T5HO's with good reflectors such as the icecap reflectors will be plenty on your tank. also using good bulbs help alot. i am using 2 blue+, 1 aqua blue, and 1 middayand the color is white with a little blue.

05/07/2007, 11:14 AM	#18
bluetang_2000 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bayarea Posts: 469	How often do you have to replace the T5 bulbs?

05/07/2007, 07:05 PM	#19
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	I'm not for sure, but what I have read is that they can last 18 months, but let one of these other guys give you an answer

05/07/2007, 07:15 PM	#20
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	Does anyone have the T5 HO retro kit form hellolights, its $95. They are also running a special on TRU bulbs, $10 with your order, is that a good deal? Also what would it look like of I had 2- TRU 10k, and 2 TRU actinics? I like a little bluer tint, but not much.

05/07/2007, 07:54 PM	#21
NeveSSL Got tubes? Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 6,759	Why not mix and match? I have personally thought about using a 150W MH and 2x36w T5s for my tank... then you get the best of both worlds. And Hellolights.com carries a retrofit kit just like that... in fact, its the one I'm thinking about getting. Brandon __________________ I am proof that post count is not directly proportional to "reef IQ". Zip Ties = Reef Duck Tape Geek it till it MHz!!! Current Tank Info: 180g Build in Process

05/07/2007, 08:15 PM	#22
olds350racer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 17	I have a 260W PC (2 act, 2 10k), a 330W VHO T12(1 10k, 2 act), and a dual 250w MH setup. To me the T12 just looks like more intense versus of the PC, but the 10k MH halides have a completely different (IMO- alot better) look. I have no idea how T12 compare to T5s... I would assume they have the same visual effect.

05/07/2007, 08:36 PM	#23
Henry Bowman Reefing since '87 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Allegheny Mountains of VA Posts: 2,162	Look for retro kits at www.reefgeek.com they have a good reputation among the T5 users here on RC. AND, as stated before the Aquactinics fixtures are very good. Both companies have good reflectors. If you are going retro, upgrade to icecap ballasts to overdrive your lights. You can get a pretty close match to the color of 250 MH lighting wiht T5's with the above listed mix. (2 actinics, 1 midday and a super actinic) the midday is about a 6-7K color, the superactinic is a 15K color and the actinics are well actinics. The only thing you might miss is the shimmer lines. With overdriving the T5's you will get very intense light. Some of the units that the GrimReefer tested with icecap ballasts and individual reflectors had higher PAR than 250 W MH lights at the sandbed of a tank 18" deep. T5's have also been known to actually "melt" mushrooms at the bottom of a tank due to too bright a light. Consider this, MH lighting is a point source and T5's produce light across the length of their bulb. The individual reflectors are very good at transferring all the light from the backside of the bulb into the tank. The point source light "looks" brighter due to it being a lot of light from a very small area. The T5 doesnt look as bright to the human eye because the light being produced is spread over a larger area. I have an Aquactinics fixture and love it. It is VERY bright. I successfully keep SPS and clams in my tank with them. Stick with ATI lamps, they have the best overall par and they should last at least 12 months, some say up to 18 months. __________________ Have a good'un Current Tank Info: 90 gl SPS dominant / upgrade in the works

05/08/2007, 07:53 AM	#24
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	There a lot higher in price, then hellolights. I have a 250W MH in the box I ordered from a fellow member, I may just use that, but I need a ballast, I can't run 220V. Does anyone have the T5 HO retro kit from hellolights.

05/08/2007, 08:17 AM	#25
James11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 544	I keep finding these TEK T5 retro kit, are they HO. I hear everyone say they love TEK T5 lights, just wondering.