Two MH systems which is best?

[Pescador]

I have Aquamedic fixtures and they have been pretty good, there are probably cheaper alternatives.

But definitely T-5's over PC for actinic, I tried a lot of different PC actinic bulbs and they all just looked blue to me not fluorescing like NO or HO.

Maybe there are better bulbs for them now but I never found a good one.

I like the look of the 150w 20k as well especially at dawn/dusk.

[Justusfish]

so far the aquarmedic is winning in feedback with the slimmer profile and the 150MH creating a great shimmering blue

[Funky_Fish14]

I'd vote aquamedic as well.

Not sure quite how much light you are looking for, but you dont quite need a high intensity light in your tank if you just have the fish and rock. You could do something like 2 x 250 W Halides and then play around with accent lighting for the fish's colouration. If you were going for a dimmer look you could even do just 3x 150W halides, or, use VHO's or a few HO T5's. Just a heads up!

Chris

[Justusfish]

Oops, I meant to put reef tank. Hence the larger amount of watts. I want both soft and hard coral

[Pan]

For actinic suplemation i prefer vho as opposed to pc, never tried t-5 though...that is if you go with 10k bulbs, i think xm 10k's with some vho actinic suplemation is the best (for coral growth and for viewing pleasure)

[Funky_Fish14]

Originally Posted by Justusfish

Oops, I meant to put reef tank. Hence the larger amount of watts. I want both soft and hard coral

Then completely disreguard my post!

I'd definetly consider T5's. They are a great 'low-wattage' option for all your lighting, or just supplemental. I have 2 x 48" T5's.. 10K, and those two alone over my tank are INSANE for light... You want to make sure they are HO(High output) though, and that they are in single bulb reflectors.

Chris

[Justusfish]

Thanks for the tip, Funky. I'll look into it and keep an eye out for high output.

[danny zubot]

I'm curious as to why you want so much light over a FOWLR tank? Do you plan to convert it to a reef later?

[Pescador]

Here I think

Originally Posted by Justusfish

Oops, I meant to put reef tank. Hence the larger amount of watts. I want both soft and hard coral

[Snappy]

I have an Aquamedic 3x250 - 2x150 fixture, it's very bright and hot. You will likely need a chiller if you go with that light.