Im so Undecided can you help me choose

Okay im now on ebay looking at lights since my 400watt mh is going to give me troubles ..what should i do ...im wanting to have hard and soft corals ...mom (ie girlfriend) wont let me buy or change over tanks ....mad: ) But allowed to get a new light fixture ...yes...8)

So... Guys and gals what should mattgeezer get for his 35gal t5 ..power compact...a smaller wattage mh say 150w ....im losing the plot thinking of what to do .. ive found a t5 ...4 x 36w ,power compact 4x24w , t5 ho 8x24w

 

Well fist im gona say, good idea with the T-5HOs! I think that for your size tank, not sure the lenght...30-36inches, the 4x36 would be awsome. One thing though, do you know if the fixture has individual reflectors or one single one. If you can, you should check out ReefGeek > Aquarium Supplies for Marine, Reef, and Saltwater Aquariums They have a great selection of T-5HOs Fixtures.

 

T5 HO all the way.

 

my tank is 24" wide , 18" high

 

T5 is the go mate.I got an aqualina about 18 months ago and I've had no probs.It cost $320 with the tubes for a 48 inch.That's through m LFS.

 

These are the lights on top of the list thanks guys ....something this small means alot cheers for being helpful

matt

 

If I were you I would look at this. 24" 380W Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) - 504003 Fantastic value. I am thinging of getting one of those for a 37 gallon tank which is 24 x 18 x 21. If your tank is not 18 deep then this light may be a little large for you. Good luck

 

I would go with T5s. I am switching everything over to T5s except the frag tank. Lot less heat and energy not to mention when you run multiples, if one bulb dies, its like $15 for a new one and you still have more to keep your tank lit until its replaced, unlike a MH, where the bulbs are $40 and up, and if it dies, you're screwed until you get a replacment.

 

with 8x24w T5s you will have roughly 17,800 Lumens, with a 150w MH you will have 12,000 Lumens. IMO, MH's are only worth the $$$ if you have a deep tank because they can penetrate 30"s +. IMO if your tank is less then 20"s, there is no need for MHs.

 

T-5's!!!!! I just got mine in, and love them!! You now there good, when xenia is having a hard time ajusting to the t5s over the MHs they were grown in!!