Halides vs. T5's for reef

I am putting together a 125gal reef (upgrading form a 65). I currently have a fixture (Aquamedic) that has 3x150 & 2x70 metal halides That is about 16" from water surface. Totaling 590w = 4.72 wpg. I plan on using a 1/3hp aqualogic delta 4 chiller. Just trying to figure plmbing out.

I dont know much about the T5's or T5/PC combo. What would be a recommendation for a 125 gallon reef (soft and hard corals)? Would it be better than hlaides? Could I forgo my chiller?

Any help would be appreciated.

THANKS

 

There is another person on here with a 180 that runs T5s and he only has hard SPS corals in it. No chiller needed on his setup because the T5s run cool. I'm sure he will chime in once he sees the thread.

 

Ahh your in Florida! Gotchya. I am located in kentucky.. and have messed with quite a few systems with halides. No heat issues that a small fan couldnt fix. I have a feeling that is different in your climate area though. I have a fan i got at walmart for $7 hooked up to my AC3 to kick on at a certain temperature.

T5's will grow sps well with enough of them. No issues there. Will run cooler, and you can tweak colors.
I am just a halide fan.

 

If you have the $ I would go with mh's & t5's then you are getting more natural looking light. Don't forget that if you only go with pc's or t5's you won't have any shimmer in the water.

 

Pens, I currently have a tek 8x54 watt T5 setup. I noticed that with the warmer Florida climate I had to have a chiller in order to keep my water temp in check. It runs probably about 10 min a hour but I like the peace of mind that the tank cannot get higher than 79 degrees. My tank is only a 120 gallon (48x24x24).

Just a comparison to think about.

 

ive got halides and there AWESOME!!!! i like them more than any other light fixture. i think they are the "best light" persay. they give oyu the shimmer affect and they also have made my corals flourish!!!

 

I have a DIY canopy that I am putting together. It will have two 5" fans (one in each end) to assist with cooling as well as an open back and top of the canopy.

Thanks for the suggestions and input!

 

There is no answer here. Do whichever you prefer or can afford. Both grow anything and can color anything. Some people will bash T5s others will say how great they are. It's really comes down to a personal preference.

 

I think Dr-fragenstein is the expert on T-5's. Check this out it might help http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/t5s-q-54866.html

 

Im a MH guy allllllll the way. Tried and true you cant go wrong, now im in rochester NY and have no problems with heat in my tank. But i LOVE the shimmer effect and i would never go any other route other then MH thats just my .02