PC vs. T5

[padgett152]

Would a 4 bulb, 54 w per buld, T5 fixture be a major improvement over my 2 fixture, 130 watt per fixture, Coralife PC's? I really want to stay in the 300-400 dollar range

 

[ngn8dogg]

if you want to keep sps, then yes

 

[padgett152]

i do. thanks. are the 2 10,000k daylight and the blue actinics(2) sufficient for that.

 

[ngn8dogg]

what fixture are you getting? I would run 2 ati blue plus 1 aquablue and 1 superactinic or fiji purple. but thats just my taste.

 

[Mr_Harry]

4 bulbs are a bit light for SPS

If you can swing it 6 would be better

 

[noboddi]

PCs are not in the same league as T5s. No comparison

Now T5s vs MH, there is a discussion...

 

[ngn8dogg]

6 bulbs would be better but 4 is enough for mid to high placement

 

[padgett152]

yeah, i want to try and swing the 6 bulb or possibly even the 8 bulb. thanks for the feedback. so, your suggestion of bulb configuration would exclude the daylight bulb?

 

[ngn8dogg]

the aquable special IS a daylight bulb . its a nice crisp white. the blue plus are like 18-20 k and deliver alot of par. and the fiji will bring out the reds/pinks

 

[Mr_Harry]

The white bulbs give out more Par
but don't look as nice as the blue bulbs

 

[ngn8dogg]

I think test show that the blue plus gives out almost the exact same par as the aquablue

 

[tipmoff]

Check out this thread...http://www.liquid-medium.com/past_issues.html. Very informative about this questions and others in regards to lighting. the 2 authors are part of my local reef club and have tons of knowledge.