power consumption would need to be considered too. 8 54w t5s would be about 4 amps, 2 250w MH are about 6amps. so lets say 10 hours a day for 30 days. 8 t5s would cost you about $15. MH would be about $21 (at 11cents per KWh)

considering t5s are about $25 each, that's $200 for 8 bulbs, in comparison, $200 will buy a very nice pair of MH lamps.

so in the end, it'll cost about $60 a year more for MH.

hmm...makes me want to reconsider t5s :D

"Since you already have the MH setup" Quote newguy
Actually Harvey this is for the two new tanks I made this weekend:D Kind of what I am reading here and elsewhere It reallly depends on what you want your tank to look like The cost difference is not that huge. Hmmmm more reading needed, Keep the comments coming :D Another quick question than any studies done on what will grow corals faster T5, VHO, or Halides... Articals or links please.

If you want growth, you can't go wrong with Iwasaki 6500K bulbs...

Sweet that you get that sweet yellow glow!

i was just wondering what is stopping you guys from modifying a MH light from say lowes used for a spot light into a tank light? wouldn't this be way cheaper then ordering a $2-$300 set up?

Well some people do go out and buy the MH fixtures from th LFS. For my self I DIY all my lighting I find it a bit cheaper and I have the tools to do it. And I find it part of the fun.

I cannot tell you about t5s, but I do know with URI VHO lamps, I have -never- seen the color reproduction as nice as these. I have used the 10000k aquasun and the 12000k actinic white...and the colors from my fish...I cannot describe it the first time I turned on the VHOs. beyond amazing. downside with VHOs is high power consumption and very hot lamp ends, which is hard on the plastic endcaps.

both my actinic bulbs have now burned out, and I plan on replacing them with T5 actinic bulbs, not because I don't like VHOs, but because I want the liberty of saying I've tried both. I enjoy learning the pros and cons of all lighting setups, and T5 is what's next. I've done PC, MH, VHO, NO, it's time for t5s.

Do you have pics of your tank?

have you considered dual 150W MH?