Time to pick lighting for the new setup. (1 Viewer)

[cobraden]

Well it's time for me to hang lights and I am blessed to have a couple options already in my possession.. The options that I have (won't be buying anything new at this time) are 1) black box LED's or 2) 48" T5/250WMH combos. The combos have 2- 250w MH and 4 T5 bulbs. Trying to decide which ones to hang over a LPS/zoa/SPS tank. They will be suspended and not enclosed in a canopy and will be in a well ventilated room.

I would like to hear from people that have actually used both and what they decided to stick with or what they actually saw as the pros and cons of both. Not looking for "I heard" or "I've read" Looking for "I've done..." from people that have actual experience using both.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

[Clownfish Chris]

I use 3 250 watt MH HQI on my 7' tank. I have used cheep LEDs as well. The mh have a great shimmer, color rendition and growth. With t5 supplementation you will have even better color. The advantage to the led is the fixtures are usually dimmable and from your phone. They also run MUCH cooler.

 

[FarmerTy]

Just run the MH/T5 setup. It'll run the tank a little hotter and be more expensive regarding bulb replacement and electricity but it's a set and forget lighting setup that you can put bulbs in, watch things grow and color up nicely, and focus on other things rather than tweaking your lights.

 

[Reefahholic]

Giesemann fixture Or upcoming New ATI fixture

 

[bpb]

Wait what? New ati fixture??


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[tinman]

MH/T5 for me.

 

[jqsquared]

MH/VHOs here. Kind of old school but you cant beat the look. I have had LEDs, they are great for reasons already said. I did find some corals can be particular in terms of coloration and growth under LEDs. I will probably see where the technology is on my next build but for the most part having a 6ft tank means $$$ when it comes to LEDs.