T-5's VS MH pendants

I can't decide what type of lighting to get. I'm on a budget so I can't drop $600 on lights so I've narrowed it down to these two lights. What one should I get?

150W Metal Halide Pendant Lights (I would get 2 of these)

or

4x54 watt tek t-5 fixture

Right now I have power compacts and they arn't cutting it. I plan to do mostly LPS and softies with some SPS.

 

with some sps i would go with the halides unless you can get a 6x54 watt tek fixture

 

Do you think 2 150 watt pendants will be enough over a 75 gallon or should I get the 250 watts?

 

I've used a Aquactinics TX5, which is a 5 bulb T5 fixture on a 90G tank. It was ample. I'm not sure for your wants, that a 4 bulb T5 fixture would cut it. You could keep softies, and some LPS up high, but in my opinion you'd be a bit limited.

If you go with the halides, I don't know what the price difference would be b/w the 150s and the 250's, but I use 2-250's above my 90G presently, and like it a lot.

One thing you should focus on, however, is the type of ballast and bulb they're selling you. If the ballast isn't electronic (i.e. it's a magnetic ballast, skip it.) Who's the manufacturer of the ballast and bulbs?

$130 for bulb, ballast, cord and reflector REEKS of cheap. Be careful. As I'm sure you've read many times here; you really DO get what you pay for. For example, if you had to replace the bulbs immediately, and then shortly thereafter the ballasts; consider that you have now paid MORE than what you would have in the first place if you spent wisely. Generally speaking, doing lights on the cheap is shortchanging yourself and your livestock; asking for trouble, setting yourself up for failure--and creating a scenario under which you're nearly guaranteed to soon throw good money after bad.

The truth often sucks, but there you have it. I feel better not lying to you. You know?

 

the 150's is good but the 250's would be better if your planning on sps and clams. Don't get me wrong the 150's is what I use on my 75 gallon but wish that I had 250's instead

 

Hey Sparky, is it possible for me to get a decent halide setup for less than $600? I may check out reefgeek.

 

I lucked into my 2-150's used from a buddy. I haven't really shopped around, so I don't know the answer to your question. Sorry.

Shop around for the components a la carte. Maybe some experienced folks here know of some sources. My gut feeling is after you've combined the components and shipping, you're looking at more than $600.

 

The Coralife 2x150MH plus 2x96W PC and 3 moonlights is $687 on drsfostersmith, it's usually about $800 everywhere.

The 48", 4-bulb Giesemann Reflexx T5 Light Fixture is $505 from Marine Depot. It comes with Geisemann bulbs. I'd be confident the ballasts in that fixture are top notch.

 

I just did a quick look around on marinedepot.com (for some reason reefgeek.com is down) and looks like I could get 2 Icecap 250 watt pendants, 2 Icecap 250 watt ballasts, and 2 double ended bulbs for about $650. I think I'll just wait awhile save some cash and go with this route. Opinions?

EDIT: I'll look into those two fixtures as well Sparky, thanks.

 

To my experience, unless you're risking killing livestock, waiting always beats doing something right now. This way you can collect more opinions--always a good thing.

If you do go this route, with only two-250W MHs, you'd probably want to go with 20K color bulbs, to avoid mandatory actinic supplementation.

Good luck!!