MH vs T5/VHO

[mykpoz]

Hey all,

Just asking this question, as I know most are [acronym:cdccdd8031="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:cdccdd8031] supporters...

I am setting up a 75gal tank, and I am looking at two options for lighting (@$250.00)

option one:

CoralVue 48" Four Bulb T-5 Retro Kit. Includes reflector, 4 bulbs, electronic ballast, waterproof endcaps, and power cord. for 225

option two:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW




I think Option 1 is going to be a bit cheaper... but in the end if it only means another 100 dollars or so for the lights, then in all reality its only @$100 more expensive to go with [acronym:cdccdd8031="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:cdccdd8031] over T5/[acronym:cdccdd8031="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:cdccdd8031]

if you know of any other alternatives to keep the cost down, then by all means, let me know.

[acronym:cdccdd8031="Thanks in Advance"]TIA[/acronym:cdccdd8031]

[pearsont74]

ok....i am goin thru a similar question but i have personally ruled out [acronym:3130bc0da0="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:3130bc0da0] - too pricey and i have enough heat issues as it is.

It really depends on what u want to have in your tank....if you are goin for the corals that requires intense ligths then [acronym:3130bc0da0="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:3130bc0da0]...but not only look at the price for the [acronym:3130bc0da0="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:3130bc0da0] but the replacement lights....gezz....they are over $50 for a bulb
with the [acronym:3130bc0da0="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:3130bc0da0], youll need to get 2 bulbs and it will run you about $100 additional

I want alittle of all....but I dont plan to get into the things that requires the [acronym:3130bc0da0="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:3130bc0da0] lights and honestly i have seen and read that people have any corals they want under [acronym:3130bc0da0="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:3130bc0da0]....the [acronym:3130bc0da0="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:3130bc0da0] has all their nice corals on display under [acronym:3130bc0da0="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:3130bc0da0]
something to share is think about getting 2 seperate ballast to allow you to alternate the light cyclys....with moon lights you can create a 24 lighting....nite - dawn - full day- dust

[MT79]

i have seen and read that people have any corals they want under [acronym:561d2bc924="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:561d2bc924]....the [acronym:561d2bc924="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:561d2bc924] has all their nice corals on display under [acronym:561d2bc924="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:561d2bc924]

Well, that is a bit of a stretch. The [acronym:561d2bc924="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:561d2bc924] keeps them under [acronym:561d2bc924="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:561d2bc924] most likely b/c it's cheaper to run, and it's temporary. Long term, high light corals will fade or turn completely brown under flourescent lighting and possibly die. Some corals/clams require [acronym:561d2bc924="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:561d2bc924] no ifs, ands, or buts about it. There is no way around the fact [acronym:561d2bc924="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:561d2bc924] light is much more intense promoting faster growth, and supporting a wider variety of colors in coral/clams. As for which of the 2 lighting sytems to choose that is up to you. As said w/ [acronym:561d2bc924="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:561d2bc924] heat is definitely an issue, as is the cost of upkeep. Also, I have never come across anything about the Cool Touch Lighting company-good or bad. [acronym:561d2bc924="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:561d2bc924]

[mykpoz]

Ok, assuming that i go the T5/[acronym:a753f7b278="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:a753f7b278] route...

I am guessing I will get to pick 4 bulb combos...
and recommendations here?

Also going this route what are going to be my limitations regarding corals/inverts?

Furthermore, if there is a better retro for the money please let me know...

Thanks again,

[lmw80]

so of mykpoz's choices, then you are saying option 2, the [acronym:ffedfdd7d1="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:ffedfdd7d1] retro kit is a better choice?

[Brenden]

Go [acronym:1bb3dd9227="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:1bb3dd9227] and get a cooling fan. As pearsont74 said do not forget your bulbs.
captivereefs.com has the CoralVue 48" Four Bulb T-5 Retro Kit. for $211.50 he also has a good rep on AA as opposed to a ebay seller.

[captivereefs]

Hey thanks! T-5's will work well on anything but [acronym:782c074980="Small Polyped Stoney"]SPS[/acronym:782c074980] for the long term.

[StripesTheEel]

i would love [acronym:2db318e80c="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:2db318e80c], but unfortunately I dont have the $$$ as I just spent $1500 on tank and $1500 on [acronym:2db318e80c="Live rock"]LR[/acronym:2db318e80c] stock etc for 100gal. The other reason is the Queen angel that is going in there.. i wanted a reef tank but opted to go with some artificial stuff.. looks kinda real...not the best but it will fool all my family and friends who know nothing about the world of fish

I would go [acronym:2db318e80c="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:2db318e80c] if u are short on money, but obviously saving for the [acronym:2db318e80c="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:2db318e80c] is a better option..

GL!!

[pearsont74]

the other option i have considered is a 2 buld [acronym:cfc0a34dca="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:cfc0a34dca] and later add a [acronym:cfc0a34dca="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:cfc0a34dca] to the retro kit....you can spread the VHOs out and put 2 [acronym:cfc0a34dca="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:cfc0a34dca] in the middle

[MT79]

Originally Posted by mykpoz

Ok, assuming that i go the T5/[acronym:0a64023187="Very high output fluorescent"]VHO[/acronym:0a64023187] route...

I am guessing I will get to pick 4 bulb combos...
and recommendations here?

I would go w/ 2 actinic and 2 10k

Originally Posted by mykpoz

Also going this route what are going to be my limitations regarding corals/inverts?

As Darin pointed out, most [acronym:0a64023187="Small Polyped Stoney"]SPS[/acronym:0a64023187] and some clams ie. Crocea should only be kept under [acronym:0a64023187="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:0a64023187]. You will still have plenty of options w/out those.

Originally Posted by mykpoz

Furthermore, if there is a better retro for the money please let me know...

Darin at captivereefs.com will take care of you. He even gives 6% off to AA.com members . [acronym:0a64023187="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:0a64023187]