switching to t5s?

I have 3 60" vhos (2 actinic white and 1 super actinic) running off an A4 ballast. It is ok, my fish seem to like it fine and this tank has kept some corals and mushrooms with no problems. I wanna upgrade though and looked into metal halide and still might go with it. I do like the look of the t5s and I am pretty sure I can run them off the A4. May need to change the harness? So I'm looking for advice. the tank is 72x18x30. If I do go t5, should I do 3 60" bulbs? Or go and run two ballasts and do like 4 36" bulbs per ballast? other option is 3 250w MH and use the A4 to run a couple super actinics. Thanks guys

 

I would run the 3x 250w MH's so there won't be anything you can't keep in the tank...sps, clams..etc.

 

Thanks Otty. Speaking of, do you or anyone know anything about ARO 250w MH ballasts? Someone is selling one brand new in box around here for $50. It sells for like $110 normally so I don't know if this is a good brand or not. I know you get what you pay for and I don't wanna create more problems with crappy lights. If anyone uses these please let me know if they're any good. Also if not, what is a good ballast?

 

I agree with Otty, I personaly like MH over anything else. In my case, I love the fact that I can have any coral that I want, without having the fear if my lights will be enough. I love the shimmering effect it gives off and helps my tank to keep its temp. Some ppl have T5's and say that they can have any coral they want under the T5's, I never had them so I can not concur. Another factor to keep in mind is, if your tank is 30" high, T5's are going to have trouble penetrating all the way to the bottom. Good luck with your choice. Luna

 

IceCaps are great also. Look into them. Luna

 

if thats 30" deep, then you prob have to go with the halides to penetrate that deep. you can keep anything under t5's too... but they only are usable up to 24".

im starting to wonder if a 250w halide will be strong enough to reach the bottom.?otty?

 

Oppps! Wow I just noticed that. : 250w is probably not going to be enough. My tank is 84x23x30 and I run 3x400w MH's on mine.

 

Thats another thing I forgot to mention, 30" usually calls for 400w MH bulbs. Luna

 

I think I will bite the bullet and get the MH. maybe even the 400w. I think the only thing I was concerned about was the cost of running them and heat. The heat I can handle with fans. is there really that much difference in energy on T5 or MH?

 

Oh cool Otty. That is nice to know since you have the same depth. What ballasts and bulbs do you run?

Thanks Luna. I have heard good things about the IceCap ballsts as well..