T-5 vs PC

[dabgood21]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]36" Nova Extreme T5 HO 4x39W with Lunar Lights (156 Watts)[/FONT]


Would a setup like the above mentioned actually be better for a 46 g bow reef then a 192 watt total PC setup? Is it possible that a T-5 setup with less Wattage could be better then a PC setup with more?

I'm comparing the above to a 2 - 96w PC Orbit setup. Thanks!

 

[dabgood21]

Cont'd.

From what I've seen it looks like I'd be best off getting a VHO setup. I'd rather not get MH if I don't have to b/c of the electric bill but a four bulb 96w VHO setup would double my wattage compared to my PCs and fit over my tank nicely. Anyone agree? or what would you recommend?

 

[nsiegel5]

I would use T5's, they are the newer standard easier to find easy on your electric bill and run cool. I use them on my tank and Im quite happy they work for what I have, I dont do SPS.

 

[kenske]

I believe that T5HOs are better then PCs. I had two sets of pc lighting, even though all my corals seem to be thriving(except certain acros), i feel that the colors of my corals get "washed out" under pc lighting. 2 months ago, i got a 150watt mh with 2 t5 actinics, what an improvement.

I do not have any experience with VHO. But from reading other posts, T5HO is supposed to be better then VHOs.

On another note, any luck at H2O the other day? find any rics?

-Kenny

 

[dabgood21]

They didn't have anything nice and were very expensive. I actually just received 4 different ricordeas, got 1 free, paid for 3, from Sealifeinc.net

Got a nice blue, orange, multi colored and free teal shroom. With shipping it was $50. Pretty sweet, I'm happy :biggrinpa

 

[dabgood21]

oh by the way, so you're saying that your T-5's show better color then PCs? If so then that's def what I'll do.

 

[kenske]

3 rics with shipping for $50 . I think thats a great deal!

imo, yes. t5 gives better colors than pc.

I just set up a 30 breeder frag tank and im actually shopping/researching for lighting. So far, I think im gonna go with the tek t5 ho 36". I have seen it used in one Manhattan Reefer's tank. He had it in a 40 gal breeder. It was nice. All his corals are growing and have great colors, including sps. The Tek cost more than the Nova Extreme, but it has individual reflectors. I think Tek is a great fixture that is also affordable (for me).

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

The key to T5 lighting is having "Individual Parabolic Reflectors" that s what makes the difference in the lighting. Without them they are the same as pc lighting IMO.

 

[SuRFeR BoY]

i agree with chief... i have the Tek 4 bulb t5 setup.... they are alot better then pc but they have individual reflectors...

 

[dabgood21]

So a T-5 wattage w/ individual reflectors is still better then PC lighting even though the wattage is significantly less? My 46 Bow is kind of deep. I'm comparing the Tek 4 (I guess) to 2, 96 watt Pcs.