Power Compact Vs T5

[danelam]

I'm looking to upgrade my lighting from my Orbit Power Compact (4x 65w) to good deal on a T5 retrofit unit I've been offered.

Here are the details:
2 ballasts
4 54w Geissmann bulbs with individual reflectors (actinic 3, 10000k I believe.)
Hood and fan

Firstly, I think this is a step up from what I have, but don't understand too much regarding lighting. How much of a step up is it?

Are there any reasons why I would stick with my pc in favor of T5? At the moment I have only SPS and softies and a anemone but would like to start keeping some LPS and some Acans (showing a bit of Aussie pride :biggrin

Your thoughts would be appreciated!!!

 

[danelam]

Forgot to mention ... my tank is a 55g

 

[danelam]

sorry for the typo too... i meant currently I have LPS but would like to get some SPS

 

[autoponicz]

t5's will last you at least a year before you change bulbs..(some poeple say 16-24 months normal driven).....PC bulbs are about 6months...

and t5 with individual reflectors will push out more output than pc's any day...

you can even burn the lps if you dont acclimate them to the t5's...

4 bulbs can grow the easier to keep(or lower light) sps...placed at the top of the rockwork...

 

[danelam]

i've heard even PCs can keep SPS if they're at the top, so what makes T5 so much better?

 

[Wes]

i've heard even PCs can keep SPS if they're at the top, so what makes T5 so much better?

they are better because 4 T5 bulbs can grow SPS from Top to Bottom of your tank. PCs are not as powerful.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I keep SPS with my Aquatinics TX5.Even a crocea clam on the bottom.

 

[NYreefNoob]

I Kept Sps Successfully As Well Under T5's, T5's Are Much Bright. Bulbs Cost Less And Last Long As Well As You Have A Better Selection Of Color Temps To Choose From, Going From A 250w Mh Back To My T5's, Like The Variance In Temp Better. Plus Less Heat From The T5's Compared To When I Had My Current Pc's

 

[bigbris1]

Wow, this thread has made me consider swapping the 2X65W PC fixture I have on the 26 bowfront for 2 T5s with individual reflectors. So you're saying that even tho the wattage is less, the light output is brighter, especially with individual reflectors?

Maybe I could do a canopy with 3 T5 bulbs. Then I could keep SPS!!!

 

[CancerverO]

go for T5s.. with right bulbs combination.. u will c the difference..

 

[bigbris1]

Thank you Javi, "I'll do it! I'll rob the Quickie Mart!"

 

[danelam]

Yeah I wanna upgrade now too!!!

 

[danelam]

So what's better - T5 or T8 --- and what's the difference?

 

[Chapz]

Good Question Dane. I would like to know also. Im trying to stay away from the MH since they might be too strong. Though i have a 65g tank thats 2 feet deep. PC wont do justice.

 

[danelam]

I agree on the MH ... plus I can't afford to buy a chiller to keep it all cool with those lights! But back to T5 or T8 what's better?

 

[Killerdrgn]

T5's are better.

 

[danelam]

why are T5s better? Sorry for all the questions, just curious.

 

[Quang]

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=75

the key to t5s is individual reflectors.

 

[sil3ncio]

go for T5s.. with right bulbs combination.. u will c the difference..

what's the right combination?

 

[sil3ncio]

what about t6's, are they any good?