180Bob Posted December 10, 2006 Share Posted December 10, 2006 I've seen a lot of people claim that T5's are more efficient than halides but I haven't seen any good comparisons. Does anyone know of where I can find par/Watt measurements for T5 bulbs?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mister crabs Posted December 10, 2006 Share Posted December 10, 2006 I am looking at T-5's simply to avoid heat issues. I have only a 40 gallon display so the water volume to absorb excess heat isnt there like some of the larger systems. I would love the shimmer linesof MH but dont want to get stuck this summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmhuntley Posted December 11, 2006 Share Posted December 11, 2006 Hey Geoff, check out this thread on craigslist, its fro a 4x54w Teklight t-5 setup.... a really good deal and would be prefect for your tank. http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/for/247060090.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePremiumAquarium Posted December 11, 2006 Share Posted December 11, 2006 Thats a great deal and would work very nice for your system. I would likely still save up a few more dollars and stick with the Metal Halides though if you plan on keeping clams or really start getting into sps. You will most definately see the difference in color and effect. There really is no comparison. Look at several tanks for yourself and see what you like. Read the books and check out articles. Most of the research that I have done have lead me to conclude that to properly emulate the sun in a reef system, the closest thing we can get to mother nature is Metal Halide lighting. You will also find that in hard corals the best growth is achieved in general using Metal Halides. For cost effectiveness and to spare yourself a few skin burns you might want to go with t5's, but for true brilliance and coral growth, go with the Metal Halides. Of course if you are only keeping softies, there is no reason to have Metal Halides over t5's. I gues it all depends on what you think you are ultimately going to be most interested in keeping. Metal Halides will handle them all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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