diff. btw. M/H & T5??

please help me?

what would be the difference from a 4 65w T5 or PC (idk diff?)
compared to a 150w metal halide be?

 

If it were t5 it would be a much better value, but 65 watt's tells me its PC. PC's are decent for softie tanks that are under 18 inches deep, won't be able to keep anemones, sps, or most clams. You can grow just about anything under 150 watt MH, but some things will need to be placed very close to the water surface to get enough light.

 

How, big is your tank? What are you looking to keep?
Plus a MH covers about 2' sq effectively so keep that in mind!

Happy lighting!

 

55g, Soft Corals + Anemone for now,,

 

PC is like a camry, T5 is like a lexus and MH is like a Bentley

 

it was on craigslist still trying to get more info,,
but is it beter than a 36" 2bulb t5?

 

would 2 39W t5 be efficient enough for keeping mushrooms in a 55g?

 

Probably not. In all honestly, lighting is one of the most important factors in keeping corals healthy and thriving. So don't skimp here. Some basic differences between these types of lights are that T5s actually have a higher par per square in. then MH, but MHs have much better penetrating power for deeper tanks. MH halides produce a lot more heat and consume more electricity, but have the "shimmer" effect and most closely resembles natural sunlight. I don't like pcs, particularly as a main source of light. The bulbs need to be replaced more frequently, they don't penetrate as deep as either T5s or MHs and don't generally aren't as intense as either T5 or MH.
Don't skimp on lighting! You will regret it later when the one coral you really want needs more light than you have. I have a 55 too and run 4x54w T5s with UVL bulbs. It is expensive, but in the long run worth it, especially when having to upgrade later on.

 

I am also trying to figure out now what to light my 46 bow front with, does anyone have any links to places where good lights are available for good prices? I always though mh was best, but if t-5s are almost as good for half the price, it would maybe sway me.. I want to be able to run corals, sponges, whatever.

 

check buildyouraquarium.com - Aquarium Lights, Metal Halides, T5 HO Solar Metal, Halide Retro, Retro Fits, Power Compacts aquarium lighting,aquarium light,aquarium lights reef aquarium lighting,marine aquarium lighting,metal halide aquarium lighting,saltwa great prices. I haven't realy heard anything bad about them. thats who I plan on buying from in a couple weeks. They sell catalina aquarium fixtures.