29 gallon ligting question
- Thread starter gtox44
- Start date
What I offer is my opinion only. Both are good but MH are much stronger and much pricier. I think this choice is up to you. MH will give you plenty of light for any type of coral you choose...LPS, SPS, Softies, Clams...right on down the list. They also have a tendency to heat your tank so you might need a chiller in summer months. T5's will give you decent lighting as well but not as strong. There is another thread going right now that covers what folks are growing under their T5"s. Still, you can grow LPS, SPS, Softies, Clams etc as well. Just go with higher wattage. If you have a shallow tank, you are pretty much well ok. Some people like the shimmer effect from the MH...that is a personal preference. Both can be purchased with the feet to attach to a tank. The price tag is a major difference with MH being a lot more expensive. I myself am running T5's. Bottom line...it's up to you. 
I have a MH over my 30 hex, and I love it. But then again, its only a length of 15" so to keep a reef. MH was my only choice.
If you can get t-5s over your tank, I think that would be the most cost effective option, as well as looking good with good growth.
The MH shimmer is not worth the cost IMO, but again, in my tank it was the only direction I could go.
If you can get t-5s over your tank, I think that would be the most cost effective option, as well as looking good with good growth.
The MH shimmer is not worth the cost IMO, but again, in my tank it was the only direction I could go.
Quite frankly I find T5's to be more expensive. Only suggestion I'll give, is if you go with T5, get either a retro fit kit and get good reflectors, or buy a fixture that has individual reflectors in it. The thing that gives T5 the power is the reflector. Under either set up, you can grow pretty much anything. Just all depends on what look you're going for.
My tank is 30" as well. 30" T5 fixtures use 24" bulbs w/24w. Check the sponsor page and find a store close to you. Current has great lighting options for this size tank. You can get a 30" nova extreme 2x24w anywhere from $70-$100. This is a great light at a great price. Most all LFS in the area carry them. Good luck.
