MH Vs T5

Just simple question.

Q. What can MH lighting support that T5 Cannot support?

 

Like most people on here would say there isn't much you can't keep with a good T5 setup. I really prefer T5's over MH for way they run cooler, use less power, and I personally love the look over MH.

 

From what I hear if done properly you can get faster growth with MH. Both seem to suppport about anything unless you have a really deep tank. I think the edge would go to MH there.

 

Short answer: Nothing
Disclaimer: It's so hard to say this MH system = this T5 system. If you have good reflectors, bulbs and ballasts on a T5 system, that will outdo just about any poor or average MH system, and the same can be said reversely. It really depends on the equipments and your own unique setup.

 

In all reality each system has its own pros and cons you really have to decide which is right for you. My biggest concern with MH is the heat and some people need chillers because of it.

 

The biggest difference is that with an average t5 system you will only be able to have low light acropora but, this is with an average light system. If you have a good one and place the acro high i dont see why you cant have anything you want. Just make sure you ask the LFS or wherever you buy a coral for its specific light requirements.

 

You can put anything under T5s.

please show me your t5 only sps tanks - Reef Central Online Community

 

The guy that has this T5 tank says he gets better color from T5.
In his thread on RC he also says he got way more growth from MH 400W Reeflux.

Is it about time to change the T5 light bulbs? Par meter readings - Reef Central Online Community

 

I disagree that it's a simple question. ;D

MH can theoretically hit some higher peak PAR values in certain areas under the bulb and if you go large enough they can penetrate deeper so you can keep higher light corals deeper in the tank with say a 400w MH bulb for example.
I don't think anyone has found any coral that really need that much light. It's possible you may get faster growth from some higher light corals but nothing has been proven, it's all anecdotal from what I know.

So basically I'm agreeing with the short answer. There is nothing you can't keep under T5 that you can keep under MH (but really it comes down to the specifics).

 

Trying to pick my new lights for my 140gal pretty deep... I got two icecaps for 250w and a 8x54watt current setup and icecap 660 to overdrive some t-5s not sure what to do my lfs said that overdriving the 8 54w to 80w would be perfect for a 140g to do a clam or something... but I am thinking mh would be better but not for the texas summer heat?????????