hey I like T5's also I have them on 2 of my tanks so I think I have a bit of experiance with them, both fresh water and salt. for fresh I wouln't use anything but, for salt I would do a mix of T5 and MH depending on the depth. if you want to get all out of joint about it then heck you can go with VHO in a 120 and still have SPS, while were at that you could probably do it with NO also, people did it for years.
the simple fact is T5's don't have the intensity that a MH has, yes they light the whole tank up evenly and you can mix bulbs to get pretty colors and make your coral look nice, but for pure punching power you will not get the PAR levels at the bottom of a 24" tank that a nice 250watt MH will give you. adding bulbs doesnt increase the intensity of a T5 system it increases the coverage at the same intensity. Now if the original poster is happy with his tank and T5s are a step up from what he has then ya go for it.. but I have to ask if he is happy with his tank, then why does he want new lights? usaly people want new lights because they are thinking of adding different things than need more light,, in which case both sugestions are valid and the OP should be allowed to make and informed desision with out the T5 holy army comming out and slamming anyone who recomends MH.. right?
Steve
__________________
 *everything said above is just my opinion, and may or may not reflect the views of this BBS, its Operators, and its Members. If cornered on any “opinion” I post I will totally deny having ever said this in a Court of Law…Unless I am the right one*
Some strive to be perfect.... I just strive.
|