T5 vs MH lights

which is better lights to buy.

And why do people prefer T5 and some hate them. And vise versa.

And do i need to buy just MH or Just T5.

 

You can buy just T5 but depending on the bulb you use you may need to supplement MH. MH run much hotter and may require a chiller to control your tank temperature. T5 ballasts use less energy and generate less heat than MH. Overall you will use the same amount of energy if you do not need a chiller when operating either light. T5 allow you to personalize your spectrum and target colors to show off. Outlay is about the same to slightly less for T5 to start. Bulbs run about the same for comparable output.

 

It all depends on what you like. MH lighting gives you the shimmer afect and heat. T-5's don't

 

You're gonna get lots of mixed opinions on this. People with MH prefer MH. People with T5 prefer T5.
I guess one of the biggest reasons people prefer T5 is becuase they put off less heat and use less energy.
I have had both, and personally prefer MH. Mainly because of the shimmer effect. To me it's worth the added expense. And the added heat hasn't been an issue for me.

 

you can get a 6-8 bulb T-5 for the same price as the MH or less and save on the energy bill and if you want the shimmer effect you can put LED's on the light for that.

 

Do I need Aquatic light bulbs for MH.

Because most of my lights and parts i can buy trough the company where i work.

But i cannot buy T5 light bulbs form them.

 

I have 45 gallon tank and i have no idea what kind of MH light i need to buy.

 

Give the dimensions of the tank and you will receive plenty of help.

 

The notion that MH use the same amount of energy as t5's is false. Look into a 4-6 bulb T5 ficture. such as a Tek, aquaticlife, nova. you will be happy with the price vs metal Halide for twice the price

 

30" long
20" high
18" with