Just Got my MH setup do I need T5's too?

one4gatr · 09/14/2009, 08:18 AM

Ok all... I bit the bullet and purchased a 250w MH for my 44g corner... It comes with 4 moon LED's built in... Do I need to supplement the MH with T5's for any reason? I also have a T8 fixture on hand right now so would it just be better to supplement with that?

I plan on growing basic corals.... nothing that requires HIGH lighting... are we just talking about astetics now?

Thanks

CoRPS · 09/14/2009, 08:34 AM

The MH will do fine by itself. Most people who use T5's with their MH is for color supplementation. If you're not a HUGE fan of the color of your MH by itself than get a couple T5's of whatever color you'd like. If you can get T8's in the spectrum that you want then it may be perfect.

Sugar Magnolia · 09/14/2009, 08:39 AM

I've been running my 250w mh without supplemental lighting for years. I guess it's all just a matter of personal preference.

spw4949 · 09/14/2009, 09:26 AM

I agree, depending on if you like the color of your MH you may want to run some supplemental actinics but you don't have to.....

one4gatr · 09/14/2009, 01:40 PM

Thanks all... I appreciate it... got a good local deal on a 250w MH and will/am fabbing a new hood... just wanted to leave some room if I really "needed" to have the t5's. But I guess not...

saltwaterman112 · 09/14/2009, 01:46 PM

I run MH with no T5 with no problems. I like the look when actinic are on with the MH but my electric bill is sky high so have to cut back in some areas.

seapug · 09/14/2009, 02:35 PM

I'd personally try to add at least a single actinic T5 in the fixture simply for aesthetics. It can really give a little extra punch to the colors. I really like the look of my tank when the actinics are on alone in the mornings and evenings.

09/14/2009, 08:18 AM	#1
one4gatr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 400	Just Got my MH setup do I need T5's too? Ok all... I bit the bullet and purchased a 250w MH for my 44g corner... It comes with 4 moon LED's built in... Do I need to supplement the MH with T5's for any reason? I also have a T8 fixture on hand right now so would it just be better to supplement with that? I plan on growing basic corals.... nothing that requires HIGH lighting... are we just talking about astetics now? Thanks

09/14/2009, 08:39 AM	#3
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	I've been running my 250w mh without supplemental lighting for years. I guess it's all just a matter of personal preference. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

09/14/2009, 09:26 AM	#4
spw4949 Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Albany, N.Y. Posts: 1,594	I agree, depending on if you like the color of your MH you may want to run some supplemental actinics but you don't have to..... __________________ Steve Current Tank Info: 46 gal bowfront, mixed reef, 2x250W current outer orbit w/4x39W T5 ,10 gal fuge....38 gallon aggressive FOWLR, 10 gallon sump.

09/14/2009, 02:35 PM	#7
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	I'd personally try to add at least a single actinic T5 in the fixture simply for aesthetics. It can really give a little extra punch to the colors. I really like the look of my tank when the actinics are on alone in the mornings and evenings. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

09/14/2009, 08:34 AM	#2
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	The MH will do fine by itself. Most people who use T5's with their MH is for color supplementation. If you're not a HUGE fan of the color of your MH by itself than get a couple T5's of whatever color you'd like. If you can get T8's in the spectrum that you want then it may be perfect.

09/14/2009, 01:40 PM	#5
one4gatr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 400	Thanks all... I appreciate it... got a good local deal on a 250w MH and will/am fabbing a new hood... just wanted to leave some room if I really "needed" to have the t5's. But I guess not...

09/14/2009, 01:46 PM	#6
saltwaterman112 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 109	I run MH with no T5 with no problems. I like the look when actinic are on with the MH but my electric bill is sky high so have to cut back in some areas.