Buying new lights

[DaveM]

Hey guys I am looking at ordering a new 48" light fixture for my 90 gallon standard glass aquarium. I plan on keeping soft corals and maybe some hard stuff. Debating on halides vs a t5 setup. Would love some opinions due to it being a 24" tall aquarium

 

[Chisel]

Between the two, I would go the T5 route. They don't produce as much heat as MH and are cheaper to run. As for which fixture? It depends on your budget. I would go for a 6 or 8 bulb. If you are handy at DIY, you could wire up your own fixture for cheap with the same results.

 

[Filbey]

running an average haleum type lamp 12 hrs a day will cost about £400 a year to run, LED setups running 24/7 will only cost £7 a year by comparison!! although the initial setup cost is more!

just something to consider!!

 

[Chisel]

running an average haleum type lamp 12 hrs a day will cost about £400 a year to run, LED setups running 24/7 will only cost £7 a year by comparison!! although the initial setup cost is more!

just something to consider!!

I agree about the LED's but I did not mention them since he only asked about MH vs T5.

I'm waiting for the LED market to lower the pricing before I even think about going that route.

 

[DaveM]

Would definately go with an 8 bulb t5. And I agree with led comment but the initial cost is way to much for my bank account

 

[rush]

I would go with a tek light fixture 48 inch 6 bulb and add a 48 inch reef brite led fixture.

that is what i am running on my 120 gallon right now and the corals are LOVING it.

T5 HO is the way to go with LED or without. For now a 6 bulb 48 inch tek fixture will me fine!!!