4x39w T5 or 2x150w MH???

[nqh71]

Hi Guys,

Need your expert view on this. Initially, I intend to DIY PL, but was recommended T5. Then I tried to find out more about T5, and some others recommended MH. So, can everyone please help me to recommend me either one of it based on the value for money and pros and cons of it. I intend to use it on my 4ft tank with sump. I have a chiller running already.

4x39w T5 or 2x150w MH???

Thanx a million guys...

[Anthony]

if u got chiller go for 150w or 250w. X 2

i think T5 cost more then MH

[Terryz_]

T5 is cheaper...

[killfire]

To further complicate your selection, the 4x39W T5 will cost you $9.54 and 2x150W MH will cost $18.36 per month on electricity based on 12 hour/day at a rate of 17cts for 1 kWhr.

[SpiderOne]

if u got the chiller get the MH if u dont. get the t5. nice and simple . A 400 watt bulb warped my whole DIY pendant . but i've distanced the reflector from the base and pressed down all the formica and everything is fine now. also made the mistake of touching the reflector and got a lovely imprint of my hand on it. main problem would juz be heat. get the chiller and MH no regrets !!

t5 tubes dont last that long either.

[panlee]

From sponsor website, a rough comparison

4 x T5 (54W) retrofit = $330 x 2 = $660

A Weipro LF-110 = $940

So MH is more expensive.

I gone through this selection process as well but for my 3 ft tank. I was comparing 6xT5 (39w) vs 2 x 150 MH and in this case T5 is more expensive.

At the end I choose 2 x 150W MH which comes with 2x30W Actinic PL bulb. I gather from reading forums that most people tend to consider MH a better light source due to its concentration. More are wary of it due to high heat generated or higher cost. If you have chiller already then MH heat is not an issue. Also you get the water shimmering effect with MH, for some it is worth the money & heat issue. It is tried and tested that SPS and clams is ok under MH. But if you intend to have lots of SPS/clams then higher wattage 250W, 400W is recommended. If that is the case MH is more practical as you need many T5 to reach 250W or 400W. T5 bulbs last longer and run lower electricity bill and its cooler.

I think you would get different opinion which is better.

[SpiderOne]

DIY is the way to go man

my single 400 watt with spiderlight reflector cost me about 1/4 the price of a commercial version DIYED

[nqh71]

Thanx guys for the input... yes, i am thinking of DIYing it with the help of a reefer here... Guess more inputs and discussion on this comparison would be better...