Electricity consumption between PL and MH lights

[egg]

hi everyone, got a question...

sorry if its been posted...

say if i using 3x 55watts pl tubes for my tank now...

and i decide to change to one 150 watts mh light...

will the electricity consumption be roughly the same or lesser since 3x 55w = 165w

and the mh i am looking at is only 150w ???

thanks alot in advance and have a nice day...

[thomas_lim]

Therotically it will be better.

165W > 150W.

But you need to note that MH give out more heat meaning your chiller will run longer and this may offset the difference or more electicity used as chiller generally using much more wattage or deploy more fans if you don't use any chiller to cool the water.

At end of the day, you will need to decide what you want. Coz the effect using PL tube and MH does make a difference when it come to view and coral growth.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[acidjazz]

Therotically it will be better.

165W > 150W.

But you need to note that MH give out more heat meaning your chiller will run longer and this may offset the difference or more electicity used as chiller generally using much more wattage or deploy more fans if you don't use any chiller to cool the water.

At end of the day, you will need to decide what you want. Coz the effect using PL tube and MH does make a difference when it come to view and coral growth.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Agree.

The Mh will improve corals growth significantly and some people do enjoy the ripple effects as it is more natural.

[egg]

but electricity wise, it consumes lesser than 3 PLs rite???

cause my tank is abt 2 ft deep so was thinking either going with 55w PL or go directly in MH...

thanks...

[acidjazz]

but electricity wise, it consumes lesser than 3 PLs rite???

cause my tank is abt 2 ft deep so was thinking either going with 55w PL or go directly in MH...

thanks...

Go directly with MH. It will give you more coverage.

[hammy]

Go directly with MH. It will give you more coverage.

alternatively u can op for T5.

i think it is harder to find good PL replacement tube than T5 nowaday.

depending on what u wanna keep.

i have used, T5, FL, PL and MH and Mh is simply irresistable.

but along with it come heat and energy comsumption . but viewing pleasure is stunning.

PL can be very hot too FYI

[egg]

thanks for all the additional info about the difference between the PL and MH...

i just want to find out about the electricity consumption only...

thanks in advance and sorry if i sound too straight forward...