Lighting brands -- preferences

Time for some further upgrading on my re-vamped 55Gal tank. I've got some lights that make for a pleasant display on there now, but its time to get something with a bit more power.

Obviously, as with anything else, there is a ton of options out there. I'm looking at T-5 HO or MH lighting this time around...what types of setups give the best bang for the buck? I'm not opposed to the idea dropping cash right now (though I'm sure my girlfriend is )

Also, anyone had success with a DIY approach? Important lessons learned, that kind of thing?

Anything and everything that you guys can provide I'd very much appriciate!

 

Well...I am a big T-5HO buff...who needs MH psh...hah. Check out ReefGeek > Aquarium Supplies for Marine, Reef, and Saltwater Aquariums They are awsome people and really helpful. Great selection too. All sorts of lighting and goodies. You have the same size tank as i do. I have a 4 bulb 216w T-5HO. SPS are doing great. kept their color as when they were under MH.

 

well, i have the Current USA Nova Extreme T5-HO, and am very pleased with it! I guess preferably, i would have taken the Tek-Light setup. but since they were about the same price as MH, i decided on the nova's at around 200 bucks... i didn't want MH because for one, i wasn't planning on any SPS corals, and the only other thing i would have liked is one of the big pretty clams. and i knew i wasn't ready for one right out the gates (when i first started my saltwater aquarium), so i figured i didn't need it anyway... another reason i don't like MH is because of the heat transfer... and as for the "shimmer effect" that a lot of people choose MH for, i get the same thing when my lights shine through the ripples on top of the water...there may be another shimmer effect that i am missing though... if and when i upgrade, i'll still stick with t5's... probably a 6 or 8 bulb configuration, depending on the width of the light assembly... oh yeah, i have a 55-gallon too

 

Ya I agree...I get a shimmer...but not "the shimmer" ha. In my opinion I saved plenty because I didnt have to get a chiller.

 

bruce, how would you describe "THE shimmer"? i've never seen MH in action so as far as i know, my lights are just as good as MH

 

If you go for T-5's, go for the 8 bulb Nova extreme. Its well made and you have more options with different bulb configurations to get a desired look to your tank. And you will have plenty of light for even the most demanding corals and clams.
I've seen the TEK lights and they are very nice but I dont think they were worth the money over the Nova extreme. The TEK lighting has individual reflectors that may help some. But I would take 8 bulbs with a single big reflector over 4 or 6 bulbs with individual reflectors any day of the week. The extra bulbs are especially important if you want to keep clams under HO T-5's because you will need 3-4 10K bulbs with this type of lighting for the clams to really thrive well. Then you would have 4 more bulbs for actinics and any other temperature bulbs you want.

But if heat and money are not a problem then go with MH's, you'll never be sorry with them!

Twan, to answer your question about the MH shimmer, all you need to do is look at the light shimmering in a pool or in the shallows of a clear blue ocean like the carribean. Its the exact same effect. I miss it since I've switched over to T-5 lighting. You should get the same sort of effect with the LED moonlights on your Nova although its more pronounced with the brighter MH's.

I've thought about adding one of those 70watt MH clip on lights to get that shimmering effect.

 

Once you see a shimmer on the bottom of a 30+ inch tank you will know why people choose MH's...8) If your tank is 18" minus your sand bed T5 will probably do you good, any deeper and you might as well throw your money away if your choosing T5's. Just my opinion!

But then again it depends on what you are keeping in your tank too....SPS...LPS ???

 

It is funny how many pet shops use metal halides as oppossed to T5's! I prefer metal halides over all other lighting! The complimentation of T5's or power compacts with the metal halides is great, but I feel halides are so much more beneficial and aestetically pleasing!

 

Ditto! I need to move my reef tank out of my loft and into my basement some day so I wont have to deal with the heat prolem.

 

I bought my MH off of ebay for around $150
You have to wait a week or so to get it in the mail sometimes, but its a much better price than what the LFS has.
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