MH vs T5

[ron101]

Originally Posted by Trigs

Metal halide verse t5 lets hear em people!

To answer this somewhat appropriately we need to know for what application.

I don't buy that there is a significant efficiency difference. However because the T5 output is spread along the length of the bulb the average temperature is less than a MH where the output is concentrated at one point. Heat transfer depends on temperature difference and this may be why MH are reputed to raise tank temperature more (not produce more heat - there is a difference).

For high wattage requirements MH is the cost effective route. Assuming near equal efficiency, 2 x 400W MH is equivalent to 16 x 54W T5's. Try pricing those two options including bulbs.