PC vs. T5?

[FxdupCobra]

My power compact fixture stopped working. I need to replace the unit. I know metal halide is the best choice, but all I need something that will do the job right with a fair cost.

I am debating between a T5 fixture and PC fixture. This is for an 80 gallon mild reef tank (No hard corals).

Here are the comparisons:
PC: 4x65 = 260 watts
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

T5: 4x54 = 216 watts
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...y~FILTFIT58U~category~48in_Units~vendor~.html

Someone informed me that the T5's, even though have less watts in this comparison, are much stronger and better for the corals then the PC's in this comparison. Is this true?

Which one heats up the least?

What would you recommend?

Thank you.

 

[FxdupCobra]

(bump)

 

[BeanMachine]

T5 lamps run cooler and last longer than PC's. I'll let the others chime in... by no means am I an expert.

Bean

 

[SnowManSnow]

lots of ppl, including myself, would also argue that Halide is better than t5 for most reef applications.

that being said remember that all t5's ARE not created equal haha.

If it is between T5 and PC. I would go T5.

B

 

[swegyptian]

I went from 320 watts of VHO to 320 watts of T5, and the difference is incredible. So yes, same watts can have different results.

 

[Chibils]

Some would argue that T5s are better than halides. I've never used them so I can't, but the right bulb combo makes corals look FANTASTIC.

 

[hairyman1]

PC are fine for softies and LPS. There's much greater bulb choices in T5 and the bulbs are generally cheaper. If you go that route you will need a fixture with individual reflectors to get the most out of T5. Without that T5 may not be any better than PC when comparing the same Kelvin and watt rating.

 

[runyonh]

I have a Curent Nova 24inch fixture over my ap. I have no problem keeping soft and hard corals. Also the color is awesome.
Imo go t5 they last longer 2 years before you have to change blubs, they run cooler, and like others have said you can cover a much wider light spectrum.
corals
green digi
purple digi
german blue digi
green acropora
orange monti cap
frogspawn
mutiple types of zoas and shrooms

 

[redfishsc]

T5, by FAR.


Most folks have already said this in the posts above, but I'll just repeat them so I can agree with them

--- Much more PAR output than PC's when you compare watt-for-watt.

--- Bulbs last a LOT longer.


--- Bulb choices are CRAZY and you can get whatever you want.


I'll also add in that I believe that it won't be too long and PC units won't even be easy to find anymore. Producing a T5 unit will get economical enough that it cost the same to produce it as it would to make a PC unit---- then they will cost about the same (which is close to true already).

In other words, long term we may see PC bulbs just not be available anymore.



Be sure to read this thread as you pick your bulbs for a T5 unit.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=918935



I own and am VERY partial to these bulbs:

ATI Blue+
KZ Fiji Purple (my new favorite bulb)
UVL Actinic White 50/50
UVL Super Actinic (unbelievable color pop).


I have several Current Slimpaq T5's that I'm using until they peter out in a few more months and I will replace them with ATI, KZ, and UVL bulbs.

 

[FxdupCobra]

I went ahead and purchased the T5's. Thank you for all the feedback.

 

[dinesh_jay]

T5 for sure. You made the right choice.