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Rise of the Halides

Is it me... or has a BUNCH of threads on ReefCentral and other sites started becoming MetalHalide and T5 related questions? Its strange that for almost 2 years I was rarely seeing anyone asking questions about MetalHalides/Bulbs/T5's and now all of a sudden there are tons of people asking questions. I personally have switched back to Halides for the time being. I don't see myself changing my lighting for at least another 2/3 years and only after I feel that LED's are ready for me. Anyone think that halides are making a comeback?
 

mikem

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I'm also thinking of going back to MH's. I never had the growth or colors that MH's gave me before.
 

r2reyzer

NJRC Member
After 3 years of LED's, going back to MH now. Agreed...I never had the same growth with LED's.
 
You are not the only ones. SOOOO many people have been switching back that for years now.... Premium actually had run out of Radium 20K Bulbs! I got a pair for 55 each after their discount and a coupon I had.
 
Yep there is definitely some very active discussions regarding MH. I went with some cheap reflectors on my 300 to see how I liked them. After 6 months I'm making the commitment and and upgrading the reflectors.
 

mnat

Officer Emeritus
Staff member
Moderator
I went back to t5s (granted a hybrid) over my display and I am much happier.
 

kschweer

Administrator
Staff member
Officer Emeritus
Moderator
I definitely think the trend is moving away from LED only lighting and moving towards hybrid lighting like mike was saying. Whether it be t5 or halide with retrofitted leds or new hybrid fixtures like the ati t5/led or the reefbrite halide/led combo fixture which is really nice. I for one love my t5's. No plans to get rid of them anytime soon. I do however plan to add a reefbrite to my fixture.
 
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iTzJu

Officer Emeritus
NJRC Member
I've noticed the trend also with the hybrid fixtures. I myself am planning on retro fitting some T5s with my Kessil. It really does give you best of both worlds.
 

iTzJu

Officer Emeritus
NJRC Member
For my 60 Gallon I just purchased the CoralVue 6X 24" T5 w/ Blue LED's in it. Can't wait for it to arrive !!

Let me know how that goes, i was looking into that fixture but with my surplus of LED fixtures, it's a tough call to add another light fixture to my REEF STUFF collection. lol
 
If I could get a tek t5 priced fixture w/ a few leds sprinkled in then I'd be in heaven. ATI's fixtures are REALLY nice, but the prices are meh. Fortunately my 180g is only a fowlr so I get away with 2 AI SOL blues, but my JBJ has a led hood and I kind of wish it was t5 instead.
 

kschweer

Administrator
Staff member
Officer Emeritus
Moderator
If I could get a tek t5 priced fixture w/ a few leds sprinkled in then I'd be in heaven. ATI's fixtures are REALLY nice, but the prices are meh. Fortunately my 180g is only a fowlr so I get away with 2 AI SOL blues, but my JBJ has a led hood and I kind of wish it was t5 instead.

If you find a good price on a used one grab it and check out the nano box retro kits. Just need to mount the heatsink and go. Looks pretty nice from the pictures I've seen.
 
I have tossed around giving halides a shot but I just never commit. Running LEDs ATM but to be honest I'm thinking of going back to T5, if I can get my wife to let me hang a fixture, and find one that will cover a 180 at a reasonable price.
 

falconut

NJRC Member
I'm extremely happy with my LEDs, it's been around 11 months. I switched from MHs with VHO supplementation that I was using for around 9 years. I like the colors better with the LEDs, I was able to dial it in. The growth has been great, too. So, for the time being, I'm staying with my LEDs.
 
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T5/radion hybrid for me. Not much better than 400 watt radiums but t5's are coloring up my SPS nicely.
 

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