MH or T5?

I currently have a dual 175 14k metal halide setup on my 90. I have it setup inside a canopy.
I can't complain to much, it looks great.. but considering trying a T5 setup. In particular from a member selling one here. Its a 48" Current Nova Extreme T5HO 216W
Should I do it? I've been thinking and thinking but can decide... I like the shimmer look of my MH but I also like the super GLOW of the T5's
All I have is soft corals. I also wouldn't mind saving on electric over time.
Help!

 

I'd say go for it. At least with T5 you can mix and match bulbs to get both shimmer and glow. Also, you can grow whatever you want under T5s; with MH, you'd probably need to upgrade to 250w to keep SPS corals.

 

Really, if I use the 216 watt, I can grow more then with the two-175s? Total (350)?

 

Considering that a 35W fluorescent generates the same lumens as a 100W incandescent, not to mention the fact that T5 produces more PAR than MH, yes, absolutely.

 

i run t-5s and like them. However, if you are happy ith your MHs, the only way i would make that switch is that your electric bill is high enough to justify the cost of new lights or you are having a temp issue. just my 2 cents.

 

Hmmmm. It will take long long time to see a real difference in cost.
Now I'm not sure. I really need to go to my LFS and compare the 'look'
I kind of like an open top, and I really cant do it with the MH

 

I've had both types of lights, and both are higher end fixtures. Originally I owned a ATI PM 10x39W, it was great because of all of the bulbs...you could tweak your combo to get what you wanted. Then I went back to MH, and got a Sfiligoi 2x400W, and added tow reef brite strips.

IMO, you can't beat the shimmer, and shadowing created by MH ie...single source point light. As for overheating. It's funny, that my electricity bill used to be higher running the 10x39W PM. I haven't heard the chiller turning on/cycling like I used to with my T5's. I have a 1/3hp drop in chiller for my 110G display.

You can do it with an open top...several nice pendants available

 

Hey! How about both? Before u got my LEDs I rocked a 250 mh pendant and 4 t5s over my 150g. I had the shimmer and shadows, the cool all actinic look at night, and brightness of the t5s. Cost of electric has gone down a ton now that my lights only use 70watts. I don't think switching from mh to t5s you will see too much of a cost difference. Just color and "look" of the tank.
Good luck!!
Heidi

 

If you are happy with the halides you have now, I wouldnt change it.

You CAN do SPS with the bulbs you have now - no question in my opinion.

I had a Current USA Outer Orbit with 2-150 watt and I kept SPS. It was a great lighting fixture. Loved the shimmer effect and it gave very good growth.

 

For softies you could get away with using 2 T5HO bulbs. you would need to separate them to get enough spread in the tank though.