T5 or MH

[apollo]

Hi Guys

Going to setup a 4x2x2 ft tank.

Will start with some easy corals and hopefully they can survive and will progress to more difficult SPS.

Intent to get 4x55w T5. However, hv seen the price of MH getting cheaper, i wonder if i shud get 2x150 or 2x250w MH.

Anybody hv experience with using both? From wht i unstd, the cost of using T5 will be much cheaper. Cos both still need to be replaced them once in awhile. T5 life span will probably be twice longer.

Any suggestion?

Thanks

Stephen

[Narf]

Actually T5 life span is shorter than MH.
If you plan for SPS, get at least 2x250W.

[BFG]

Apollo, will you be using a chiller? I would recommend using one for your coral. If you decide to use a chiller, then the mh spec that you have indicated earlier should be ideal.

If you're still undecided whether to use T5 or Mh lighting, consider your budget. A tank your size might need at least 6-8 T5 bulbs based on what I have seen from other T5 user that keep sps coral. A 4ft T5 tube might cost around $30 for example 8x $30=$240 while an mh bulb might cost from $60-$90 each. Using T5, you can mix different kelvin rating eg 2x6500k bulb + 2x10000k bulb or whatever combination.

Also, there's still the issue of heat that the mh gives off during operation.

[apollo]

hi guys

thanks...just got myself 2x250 mh since one of the forumer told me to forget T5.

now am stress to get a chiller..i wonder those resun 280 can support my tank to achieve 25 C??

Stephen

[BFG]

IMO, Resun 280 or even the 450 can't keep up for your tank size. 650 might just make it but it's gonna run always. Perhaps the CL1000 might be for you but I have no experience with it though.

You could get the Resun 1000 but if budget is tight, you might need to go with 2x CL650. Or you could get Daeil chiller probably a 1/3hp or 1/2hp. If budget is not a problem, then Arctica or even Teco is the chiller brand that you should be looking for.

My advice is to wait until you get everything then you can begin. Have you also consider about kalkwasser or calcium reactor?

[kelstorm]

wat corals u have in mind?? if hard corals, calcium reactor is a must.. if just soft corals, u can make do with dosing or a kalkwasser reactor will do the job just fine.

Personally, i dun find much difference between Daeil and Artica... apart from the price Anyway, it seems to me that even though the manufacturers are claiming that their chillers are rated to be 1/4 or 1/3 hp, it does not seem so.. thus, if u can, check the BTU.. something like aircon... me also trying to find out how to really ascertain the difference.. however, i might be wrong in my assumption.

For 4x2x2 tank, u should not be looking for anything lesser than 1/3 Hp and if u can, go for 1/2 hp...

Rem, using 2x250W, it is gonna bring ur temp rocket high and if u dun invest in a good chiller, ur corals will "melt" and it is always said that MH is synonymous with Chiller. u cant do without the other..

Depending on the number of hrs u switch on ur MH... the chiller may kicks in once every 15 mins..... if u get a lower powered Chiller, it might just switch on the entire day...