PC lighting

[dmentnich]

Just wondering what your experiences have been. I am considering upgrading in the new year and understand that the bulbs last 12 - 14 mos at about the same price. I also know that they are suposed to be better on electricity than the MH or VHO's. The initial price is what has thrown me. Are they worth it is you don't plan on keeping SPS or the likes?

 

[kevjtomy]

I like mine. I have 4x96 on a 72 gallon tank. Any bigger of a tank I personally would then consider MH. Look for DIY kits and the price isn't too bad.

 

[Ben1]

I feel PC lighting is fairly cheap. I use 3 55 watt bulbs on my 40T. In this tank I keep many softies, a few LPS and two montiporas about 3" under the bulbs. All grow very well, I do like these alot and think they are very affordable. I spent much more for lighting my 75 sps system. Try www.ahsupply.com . HTH

 

[Bobzarry]

in my opinion go straight for the MH. save the money you would spend on the PC's since youl probably want to upgrade later to MH anyhow.


I started my tank ( aga 55) with PC's (3x90w)and regret it. I now have 2 hamilton 175 10 k's and it makes a big diffrence on all my corals. I have mostly softies but even they color up better with the MHs.


also I found the PC's altho rated for 12-14 months actualy decline much faster then that and lose intensity over that time as they age.

PC lighting in my opinion is only a money saver on electricity. but in the long run youl be happier with MH.


just my 2¢

Bob

 

[lady diver]

We are looking into VHO & Mh & the input from our friends are MH is great if you have a big tank. MH is warmer & you need a hood that is at least 18" from the water. Also you will need a chiller
& they are expensive. Your power bill will go up too. We will probably go with VHO since we have a 55 gallon tank & live in FL where it's warm all the time. Chillers are $$$

Good company selling MH: http://www.aquaticlight.com/

 

[Bobzarry]

lady diver

We are looking into VHO & Mh & the input from our friends are MH is great if you have a big tank. MH is warmer & you need a hood that is at least 18" from the water. Also you will need a chiller


I have 2 175w MH on a 55 gal with just 1 4" radioshack fan on my canopy. I keep the fan on a temperature controller to keep from over cooling my tank. My lights are hamilton pendants, my canapy is an old aga canapy meant to be used with a single NO strip. It is barely 6 inches high.

I cut 2 holes on top of it to allow the light in, and the pendants sit on top. I was amazed at how cool they actualy run and realy dont produce much more heat then my old PC's.

BTW I keep my tank at 80 degrees.


hope this helps.......Bob

[ December 17, 2001: Message edited by: Bobzarry ]</p>