Do I need MH?

[Treebeard]

It is a 46G bowfront. Time to start shopping for new lights me thinks.

Originally Posted by mark

That's what I'd be telling her.

Really though, what's the size of your tank, as depending on placement might be able to get away with T5.

not to chase you away from here, but this is a good place for clam info http://www.clamsdirect.com/forum/

[digital-audiophile]

Current theory indicates that T5's are as effective if not superior to MH lighting in regards to PAR so I wouldn't let the devout MH users scare you off this fantastic light source

[Treebeard]

Thanks for that. I wonder if it is possible to retrofit a PC fixture with T5's....

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

Current theory indicates that T5's are as effective if not superior to MH lighting in regards to PAR so I wouldn't let the devout MH users scare you off this fantastic light source

[Aquattro]

Current technology arguments aside, I've seen tanks with both lighting setups and MH always, IMO, look nicer and more "crisp". Have a look at both setups in production and see which you like better.

[fkshiu]

A good T5-HO setup with individual reflectors and good bulbs is fine for croceas, especially if you keep it higher up off the bottom.

As for your current situation, place the clam as high up as possible to the surface.

[digital-audiophile]

I agree, find out what works best for you

But if I can throw in my two cents :

T5's are better for odd shaped tanks (like bowfronts) where MH are better for boxes. T5's give more even light distribution to reach all corners of the tanks where as a MH will give you a spotlight.

I'm assuming your tank is 3' wide so I just did some really quick cost calculations using J&L -

Tek T5

36" 4 bulb unit $300 x (4) $25/bulb = Total $400
36" 6 bulb unit $380 x (6) $25/bulb = $530

Coralife 25W MH w/PC sup.

36" Unit w/bulbs $654

This is about the cheapest MH unit you can get unless you want a single pendant with no actinics but that is still going to run you ~ $400 (canopy/bulb/ballast)

IMHO T5's are a superior light at a much better price point.. pluss you get the flexibilty of exactly tuning your colour using different bulb configs where you are stuck with maybe 3 realistic MH bulb choices and three colours.

The only thing that is a visual draw back to T5 is that the the tank does look a little flat without the shimmer of MH, but having PC's right now you would not get that anyways

[banditpowdercoat]

^^^ forgot one drawback of MH, The heat. Depending on tank, may need a chiller, another $4-500 the main reason i just bought a 4 tube T5 instead of MH

[michika]

You have PM.

[Treebeard]

Thanks for doing the research Greg. The Nova Extreme Pro 36" also look good. It looks like the new model has individual reflectors and it can be had for $350.

[digital-audiophile]

No problem

I've used it all, PC, MH 150's and 250's and now T5's. I am very much a convert to the T5 fan club