Heat generation and lighting choice

[mikro402]

I have been reading alot about T5 and MH lighting. One thing I'm trying to figure out is how much heat will be generated between the different choices. I definitely want to have either T5HO or MH.
So is heat much higher with MH than T5 or are they close?
(I am trying to avoid buying a chiller. )
How about bulb life and power usage?

I have a 75 gal. 48 X 18D X 20H tank.
The tank is in the basement so it stays around 72 year round.
I have been looking at the AquaticLife 6 X 54W Lamp T5HO, and the Current USA Outer
Orbit 2x250W 10,000K HQI with 4 X 54W T5 HO & 18 Lunar Lights

TIA

 

[little_fish]

Most people dont have to buy chillers even if they have MH. Unless the are right up on the water (which they shouldnt be) i think you will be fine.

Plus if it does get hot, just put a clip fan blowing on your tank. That usually cools people's tank plenty.

 

[PRC]

You won't need to buy a chiller...I've never actually seen a chiller in real life...so they're not that common. You can easily control the heat ( if needed) by small fan blowing on the water surface...I use MH they do get very hot, but IMO they're the best looking lights. They give the water a very natural shimmering look.

You'll easily be able to control the heat...not a big deal.

BTW I just ran across an Outer Orbit light at a local reefers house.....It looked awesome.

 

[Bifferwine]

Chillers are pretty rare in this hobby. You will be fine with either MH or T5. Both types of lighting generate heat -- but heat from MH is emitted from a point, whereas the heat from T5 is spread out along the length of the bulb. If you go with T5, you will want at least 6 bulbs.

 

[Charliegrs]

Ah it sounds like the OP is in the same dilemma that Im in, which is how to keep the temps down in the aquarium. Do you live in the southwest like I do?

And I was at a LFS today and asked one of the employees this very question. He said MH produces the most heat, T5s produce less and LEDs almost none however they are very expensive.