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MH vs T5


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Hi, is there anyone able to tell how much electrical bill diff from 2x150W MH and 4x4ft HO T5? Can the 4x4ft T5 sustain LPS and Clam?

well just simple calculations:

2 x 150w = 300 w

4 x 54w = 216 w

Diff = 84 w

not so sure abt clams but personal experience lps is ok

Main Tank : 48 inch by 36 inch by 28 inch (2 sides starphire glass)
Sump Tank :
Return Pump :
Chiller : Starmax Compressor 1 HP Drop coil
Chiller Return Pump
Protein Skimmer :
Wave Maker :
Fluidised Reactor :

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Comparing the wattage can gives us the amount of electrical bills we can save between MH and T5s, but for the light penetration/brightness, we can't use the wattage for comparison, MH can only compare with MH, T5s with T5s. T5s can sustain clams, but place it more towards the surface. But of course use MH better, why don't you get MH? We still have to consider the K of the bulb/light tube.

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Comparing the wattage can gives us the amount of electrical bills we can save between MH and T5s, but for the light penetration/brightness, we can't use the wattage for comparison, MH can only compare with MH, T5s with T5s. T5s can sustain clams, but place it more towards the surface. But of course use MH better, why don't you get MH? We still have to consider the K of the bulb/light tube.

Sori bro, what do mean "consider the K of the bulb/light tube." what is K? Also my tank is 4x4x2.5, is one 150W MH sufficient? Cos dont want to end up bills coming in... :ph34r:

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Sori bro, what do mean "consider the K of the bulb/light tube." what is K? Also my tank is 4x4x2.5, is one 150W MH sufficient? Cos dont want to end up bills coming in... :ph34r:

Kelvin is the colour temperature, not exactly temperature as per se (how hot it is), but rather think ,

6500 Kelvin as being a candle flame, orangey) or 12 noon

10000 K whitish, more like a 9-10am or 4-5pm colour

20000 K blueish, rising or setting sun environment colour

the things you have to consider about K is the either 6500 K more towards growth, 20000 K more development of coral colours, So eg 10000K should technically be the more ideal inbetween growth n colouration development, but alot of reefers like a 14000 K (crisp white colour n gives excellent colouration)

Then the wattage of the MH 150 w, 250w or 400w (the more common ones)

You would like to keep clams, clams are more light intensive so a mh would be more advisable also considering the depth of your tank 2.5 ft. And a 250w would be better as one of the reefers earlier mentioned about penetration, this not not to say you cannot keep clams with T5 however mh would be a better option to choose. It doesnt mean that you wont be able to see your corals at the bottom of the 2.5 ft but rather the light intensity they receive will not be sufficient with just T5 (for corals like clams and SPS)

That is why most SPS owners usually place their SPS near the top of the tank(right under the mh), and the less light needy corals like LPS are placed on the sandbed, further away

Your tank specs are 4x4x2.5, so it is a cube ? The recommended formula for mh is one mh for every 2 ft(2x2) so technically you would need a cube formation for your mh like this (for complete tank coverage)

1 2

3 4

to have enough coverage, unless you want to raise your mh higher to extend the displacement of the light wider to accomodate for your tank, then 2x250 is feasible. Or another way is to get higher wattage and place them in the central position yet not to high up with your more light needy corals in the centre.

you wanted a 1x150w, it would be tough for your tank specs, bcos your tank is wide and deep, even if you place it in the centre, the sides of your tank will be dark, unless you raise it up real high like closer to ceiling high, but that is an unnecessary waste of light and the light intensity will still not be enough. :erm:

T5 it would be like 4xt5 for every 2 ft wide so your tank it would be 8xT5. You could put the T5 in a staggered formation.

Unfortunately with more mh the bills will rise not only due to light consumption but the chiller working more to compensate for the extra heat produced. So this is just something to consider. Nothing i said so far is a MUST do but more of a recommended way :P

:peace:

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Bravo

My Beautiful ANGEL - Matsushima Nanako

Equipment List for 4x2x2 Tank & 3x1.5x1.5 Sump

Hagen 802 x 2, Tunze 6060, Arcadia T5 (54W x 8), Eheim 1260 (return) Eheim 1250 (Chiller), Aquabee 300 x 2 (Feed)

H&S 150-F2001 (850l Skimmer), H&S A110-F2000 (400l Skimmer), H&S 110-F1000 (1000l Sulphur/Nitrate Filter), H&S 150-F2000IA (800l Calcium Reactor)

Coralife 3X (UV Steriliser), I-Aquatic IF 312 (Fluidised Reactor), Kent Kalk Delivery, Resun CL650, Pinpoint ORP & PH Meters & Wireless Thermometer

4x2x2 Tank Thread

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