switch to t5 because of electricity bill doesn't really make sense far has budget goes. I say this because we it is time to replace the bulb, MH you replace 1 or 2 where as t5 are like 6 to 8. At the end of the day, it breaks even. it is whether you want to pay it upfront or at the backend. I prefer installments, therefore MH is the choice for me. I can't afford one big lump some of a bill for t5 bulbs at the end of the life of the bulb. that's my two cents.
This is really only true for smaller tanks that can run one bulb. Lets use my tank as an example, 72x30x24 running 6 t5 bulbs at about $25 a piece; thats $150 every 12 months. If I were to run 3x250 MH thats at least $250 every 8 months. In two years replacement bulb for MH is $750 vs. $300 on the T5s.
