Do I need MH?

[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

[Treebeard]

I just called the place where she bought the clam. It is a Maxima, and the guy says that my PC lighting will be fine. Of course, I don't believe everything fishmongers tell me but I guess for now I will place him as high as possible and watch him closely.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Treebeard

It is a Maxima,....., I don't believe everything fishmongers tell me

Pretty sure it's a crocea. Maximas have more, or more pronounced scutes on their shels.

[michika]

I second the crocea ID.

[mark]

Crocea as well.

Must make you comfortable about what the LFS said about lights when then don't even know what they're selling.