Best of both worlds? T5 with MH HQI DE lamps

bluface · 04/02/2010, 05:12 PM

I have been contemplating about switching to T5s from 2 400 watt SE halides. I have seen the effect of T5s on SPS. Coloration and growth and the option on different bulbs but could not pull the trigger. I cannot get away from the shimmer on the halides. This fixuture could be the solution. What do you guys think?

http://www.aquaticselite.com/Product...=ST-HQ2-250-54

I know there's been so much talk about ATI but honestly, I have seen the quality of these fixtures and the build quality is so much better. Bear in mind, It's also German made. If I ever buy one I will test for par and post results...

t4zalews · 04/02/2010, 05:34 PM

from what I see, the halides would have be so inefficient with those small reflectors. I would almost assume that having 2 more T5 bulbs instead of the halides would be better. With that being said, I understand the want for that shimmer as I run halides for this reason.

There has been some examples that LED lighting can provide shimmer when using T5 lamps. I've personally have not seen this in person and am still a skeptic on the whole thing. Why not add T5's for supplements with your current lights? I find the best lighting is MH with T5/VHO actinics

bluface · 04/02/2010, 06:00 PM

Here's an old pic of my set up. I still have the same lights but more corals. I really need to keep the look clean. Dunno how to add T5 supplements without compromising on the clean look.

bluface · 04/02/2010, 08:43 PM

bump

bluface · 04/03/2010, 04:52 PM

Any other thoughts out there??

bluface · 04/03/2010, 05:20 PM

Light is Italian made. Not German as first stated.

Tang Salad · 04/03/2010, 06:28 PM

I have an HQI (250W) MH and 4 T5 fixture. I love it for the reasons you state.

04/02/2010, 05:12 PM	#1
bluface Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 66	Best of both worlds? T5 with MH HQI DE lamps I have been contemplating about switching to T5s from 2 400 watt SE halides. I have seen the effect of T5s on SPS. Coloration and growth and the option on different bulbs but could not pull the trigger. I cannot get away from the shimmer on the halides. This fixuture could be the solution. What do you guys think? http://www.aquaticselite.com/Product...=ST-HQ2-250-54 I know there's been so much talk about ATI but honestly, I have seen the quality of these fixtures and the build quality is so much better. Bear in mind, It's also German made. If I ever buy one I will test for par and post results... Last edited by bluface; 04/02/2010 at 05:51 PM.

04/03/2010, 06:28 PM	#7
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	I have an HQI (250W) MH and 4 T5 fixture. I love it for the reasons you state. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

04/02/2010, 05:34 PM	#2
t4zalews 65g Ritteri Tank Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Royal Oak, MI Posts: 2,673	from what I see, the halides would have be so inefficient with those small reflectors. I would almost assume that having 2 more T5 bulbs instead of the halides would be better. With that being said, I understand the want for that shimmer as I run halides for this reason. There has been some examples that LED lighting can provide shimmer when using T5 lamps. I've personally have not seen this in person and am still a skeptic on the whole thing. Why not add T5's for supplements with your current lights? I find the best lighting is MH with T5/VHO actinics

04/02/2010, 06:00 PM	#3
bluface Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 66	Here's an old pic of my set up. I still have the same lights but more corals. I really need to keep the look clean. Dunno how to add T5 supplements without compromising on the clean look.

04/02/2010, 08:43 PM	#4
bluface Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 66	bump

04/03/2010, 04:52 PM	#5
bluface Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 66	Any other thoughts out there??

04/03/2010, 05:20 PM	#6
bluface Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 66	Light is Italian made. Not German as first stated.