T5 fixture to mh fixture

[Tomchong22]

Ok well I am in need of a new light fixture for my 60 gal reef tank. So far I have a nova extreme 8bulb t5 Ho fixture, I have a ballast out and one that is half out. So Currently 5 bulbs are working. What I am planning on doing is replacing this fixture with a duel mh fixture. I have leather, soft, Lps corals, an in the future I might get a few low light Sps corals. The tank is 24" deep, but all corals are located no deeper then 16". My question is How well will a duel 150watt mh fixture compare to the lights I have now? 250watt? My budget for now is on the short side but let's stick with $250.

 

[Gti_Leo]

you have an 8 lamp and you want to go to MH? big mistake, replace the ballasts and lamps and keep the T5s, thats a crap ton of light.

 

[Tomchong22]

the reason for the change is, one the fixture was used when i got it. (only $100) the previous owner striped all the screws on the ends, so there is no way to access the ballasts. idk i am still debating my light upgrade. i might stick with t5 or try out mh. all in all i need a new fixture lol

 

[Gti_Leo]

i'm sure there is a way to get to the ballasts even if you have to drill the screws out and replace them

 

[Tomchong22]

i will have to give it a try some time with a drill, i have tried to use a dremmel with diamond tipped bits, but nothing. i guess i will have to up the force.