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**Damon** · 07-31-2007, 02:21 PM

You are right JBR (about the cons to MH) but the lights you picked out will not cut it. T5 is popular in reefs and planted aquaria because of par and light distribution. Individual reflectors are a must or you are wasting up to 40% of the light due to reflection (and refraction). ANd you still need more "watts" of T5 to equate to the same "watts" of MH. Basically 450 watts of T5 is NOT equal to 450 watts of MH in terms of usefulness. But T5 bulbs are so slim, you can put many, many more over a tank. (And you electric bill will not waver much when you add enough T5 bulbs to equal a good MH lighting. I am in no means saying you should go MH (I use VHO over my 75) but consider your goals and how many T5 you will really need over the tank to keep your tank healthy and happy.

07-31-2007, 02:21 PM	#8
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	You are right JBR (about the cons to MH) but the lights you picked out will not cut it. T5 is popular in reefs and planted aquaria because of par and light distribution. Individual reflectors are a must or you are wasting up to 40% of the light due to reflection (and refraction). ANd you still need more "watts" of T5 to equate to the same "watts" of MH. Basically 450 watts of T5 is NOT equal to 450 watts of MH in terms of usefulness. But T5 bulbs are so slim, you can put many, many more over a tank. (And you electric bill will not waver much when you add enough T5 bulbs to equal a good MH lighting. I am in no means saying you should go MH (I use VHO over my 75) but consider your goals and how many T5 you will really need over the tank to keep your tank healthy and happy. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)