T5's instead of MH's.

35-40 dollars total electric bill!!! Are you serious? I have a small 2 bedroom house and my bill is always over a hundred $ I would like to know how you do it lol.

 

How many if you change their M/H bulbs at 12 months of age ?

 

When I got into reefing I too was afraid of spending the $500 to buy MHs, so I bought CFs $110. The CFs weren't bright enough so I went VHO $225. VHOs, while great for actinic supp. don't penetrate water very deeply. Their par drops off after only 6 inches or so, so I went T5 $300 + diy canopy $100. T5s were VERY bright but corals just dont' pop under them. They were too much for some of my LPS and no good for most of my sps, so I went MH $450.

My story is not unique and it applies to all aspects of reefing. Trying to save a dollar today will cost your $3 over the long term.

As to the T5 vs MH debate, I run an sps tank and I was considering the T5 "solar flare" fixture. I've heard and read so many "I get great colors with my T5s" so I posted a "Please post your T5 only Full tank shots" in the sps forum on MANY, MANY sites. From the US, I got NONE! I got three tank shots from Holland. European tanks are very different from ours. There T5 technology is different and because it has been in use for so much longer over there they have corals that have never seen MH light. PLease keep that in mind when choosing lights. Your tank will not look like that "insane Italian T5 tank."

If you go MH now it will give you the greatest range of animals that you can keep. Don't play the "can I get away with " game.

 

ok I have been checking prices now why is that the systems on aquatrader are so much cheaper.? anyone use there lights? reviews? If there good I will def go with one of there systems. thx for any feedback:

 

You guys wouldn't have to pay so much for MH's if you would quit shopping on aquarium web sights for all of your purchase.
$108.00 for a ballast Grainger Industrial Supply
$60.00 to $100.00 for the bulb of your choice
$21.95 for a reflector Salty Critter - Your Saltwater Specialists
That seems to be about $230.00 tops for a single 175w MH if you go with a expensive bulb. Just a little elbow grease and your set, doesn't have to be a fancy fixture, don't think your fish or coral will complain on the looks of the fixture. They will praise you for the bright light they get in return.;D