T5 Question

newsalt · 01/13/2009, 05:11 PM

In a few months, I'll be setting up a new 180g SPS reef. I bought used T5 equipment with the intent on using that. My existing 120g SPS reef has (2) 250W 14k MH and (2) 110W VHO Actinics. I like the look of the tank and was now thinking of going with (3) 250W 14k MH and (2) 140W VHO Actinics. Before I sell the T5 equipment, has anyone used a MH, T5, VHO combination? If so, I'd like to hear how you like it.

Thanks

newsalt · 01/18/2009, 08:58 AM

no one has any thoughts on this?

schneijt · 01/18/2009, 02:44 PM

I've not used both together, but I've used MH and T5 separately. I used to run 2x 250w 14K Phoenix bulbs, but switched to six 54w T5 bulbs. I miss having the shimmer of MH, but the T5 give light coverage evenly across the entire tank, don't make me worry about the tank's temperature creeping up as much during the day, and give me lots of options as far as PAR and overall look/color of the tank. I know that lots of fixtures available today use both MH and T5 in the same fixture, and I'm sure that MH mixed with T5 would give the benefits of both. For me, personally, I love T5's and likely won't ever use MH again.

-Joe

Guygettnby · 01/18/2009, 04:22 PM

i have seen a guy using all 3 bulbs together on a 6 foot tank. the VHO's and MH lights overpowered the T5 bulbs. i dont think it would be worth the waste of electricity IMO

01/13/2009, 05:11 PM	#1
newsalt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 1,143	T5 Question In a few months, I'll be setting up a new 180g SPS reef. I bought used T5 equipment with the intent on using that. My existing 120g SPS reef has (2) 250W 14k MH and (2) 110W VHO Actinics. I like the look of the tank and was now thinking of going with (3) 250W 14k MH and (2) 140W VHO Actinics. Before I sell the T5 equipment, has anyone used a MH, T5, VHO combination? If so, I'd like to hear how you like it. Thanks

01/18/2009, 08:58 AM	#2
newsalt Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 1,143	no one has any thoughts on this?

01/18/2009, 02:44 PM	#3
schneijt Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: West Des Moines, IA Posts: 497	I've not used both together, but I've used MH and T5 separately. I used to run 2x 250w 14K Phoenix bulbs, but switched to six 54w T5 bulbs. I miss having the shimmer of MH, but the T5 give light coverage evenly across the entire tank, don't make me worry about the tank's temperature creeping up as much during the day, and give me lots of options as far as PAR and overall look/color of the tank. I know that lots of fixtures available today use both MH and T5 in the same fixture, and I'm sure that MH mixed with T5 would give the benefits of both. For me, personally, I love T5's and likely won't ever use MH again. -Joe

01/18/2009, 04:22 PM	#4
Guygettnby Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL Posts: 3,050	i have seen a guy using all 3 bulbs together on a 6 foot tank. the VHO's and MH lights overpowered the T5 bulbs. i dont think it would be worth the waste of electricity IMO