96w or 80w for a 10g

[Xandernfs]

So, i'm debating either to go with the power quad (96w) or the orbit (80w). Does it really matter what one i go with if i wanna keep softies and LPS? The biggest difference is that the orbit has 2 ballast to simulate a better dusk/dawn effect. Is this that important or would the power quad be okay? What would you choose? Help me please!

X

 

[ZC]

I run the 96W quad over my 10g and it does awesome for softies and LPS

 

[Rivenjim]

why not the option of metal halide?

 

[Xandernfs]

Well ... not enough money, don't have tools for a canopy (school), and i don't feel i am comfortable with the heat/evaporation issue.

On a side note, i think i've decided to go with a 15 gallon (24" wide). So which compact unit is better, the aqua light or the orbit?

 

[danferd2002]

i would also go for the powerquad, i had one on my 10 gal, and it was awsome, fans were a little loud though, but they can easily be replaced.

 

[Krazy]

either light is great, I have all 3 of them, the 96watt quad, the orbit 80watt, and the 150watt sunpod orbit

 

[FLricordia]

I would choose the 80 watt that way if one bulb goes then at least one is still working if you are away or don't have access to another right away. The coralife is quite loud and the cost of the quad bulb is high, at least locally compared to 2-40wt bulbs.

 

[Jasonf08]

either way there will be tons of light. But i would pic the unit with the two bulbs. This way you can do a dusk/dawn feature. & run your lights longer.

 

[rickh]

Krazy K
So you have all 3 lights?? How do you think the intensity between the PC and the MH Sunpod compares. My friend has a 70 watt Sunpod on a nano, and I think it is no brighter that a single 65 watt PC. R

 

[herostar]

I have the 80w orbit and love it. On a 15g (24") tank you'd be able to have a 2x65w fixture. This would give you awesome light for softies and lps, and you could probably even have some sps like montiporas higher in the tank. I've got a purple digitata on the top of my rocks in my 10g w/ the 80w orbit and it's growing and didn't brown out on me.

 

[GobyJohnKenobi]

If you are going with a 24" wide tank, spring for the Current Nova.

The T-5s will outshine the Orbit.

I have the 20" Orbit on my 15 High and love it. I was in the same spot as you trying to decide between the 80 and 96. I chose the 80 for the dual bulb, dusk-dawn lighting. No regrets.

But if I had a 24" tank, I'd have the T-5s for sure.

 

[bboy aqua]

I have the 70w sunpod and its WAY brighter than 65w of pc
ur friends one must be defective

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8586311#post8586311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rickh
Krazy K
So you have all 3 lights?? How do you think the intensity between the PC and the MH Sunpod compares. My friend has a 70 watt Sunpod on a nano, and I think it is no brighter that a single 65 watt PC. R

 

[Krazy]

Yes for real, I have the 150w sunpod and its WAYYYYY brighter then my 2 other 20inch lights combined....

The reply above is correct, your friends bulbs are prolly shot or something....

I use the other light on my grow out prop tank (some zoo's and softie frags)

The thing damn near lights the room up with its crisp 14k white/bluish look

Here's a descent shot of my nano with the 150w sunpod...

(Yup its full of SPS)