Power Compacts Vs T5 Comparison Pics
- Thread starter DLANDINO
- Start date
This is NOT true. They may take in the same ammount of power but the efficiency they are used is HIGHLY different. The inefficiency is let off as heat and is therefore wasted. In a perfect world with perfect lighting systems they all power consumed would be converted to light, but, unfortunately this is not the case!
an411
Active member
You do not need a chiller to run MH. Especially if you have central air. You would be surprised on the amount of heat that can be dissipated off the water surface with a small clip on fan in a canopy. Also if you dont have a canopy heat rises therefor should not heat the tank that much.
p4ck37p1mp
Premium Member
You'll get more light in the tank using individual reflectors.
ihopss
Premium Member
Before you make the decision, go to your LFS and see the different lighting systems and what each looks like on a tank yourself. IMHO nothing beats the natural look and shimmer of MH.I get a kick out of my 7 yr wondering how it is afternoon in the tank when it is dark outside at night.
Also, living here in the Northeast with central air really lessens the need for a chiller. I have 2 x 150 DE & 2 x 96w PC's about 7" from the surface inside a canopy over a 50gal with no heat issues. I do have 2 fans blowing into the canopy with a 6" fan blowing into the sump during the summer. The sump fan increases evaporation which allows me to increase my kalk drip thus increasing the tank calcium using less 2 part during the summer so there are benefits other than no chiller. Please check out the lighting before making a rash decision because unless your funds are unlimited, it is financially difficult correcting quick decision. JMHO
Also, living here in the Northeast with central air really lessens the need for a chiller. I have 2 x 150 DE & 2 x 96w PC's about 7" from the surface inside a canopy over a 50gal with no heat issues. I do have 2 fans blowing into the canopy with a 6" fan blowing into the sump during the summer. The sump fan increases evaporation which allows me to increase my kalk drip thus increasing the tank calcium using less 2 part during the summer so there are benefits other than no chiller. Please check out the lighting before making a rash decision because unless your funds are unlimited, it is financially difficult correcting quick decision. JMHO
Beach Bum 70
Beach Bum 70
Sunlight supply tek 5 system!
FroMan
Insane in the Brain
http://www.aquactinics.com/
and you can support a local CT business!
I'm going to be buying a solar flare for my 120 upgrade
turtleman9100
New member
I don't get this t5 thing. Just do it right. Take away the heat, EVERYONE knows that metal halide lighting is the most efficient, complete lighting source for reefing. I have watched so many corals die from people not using enough light. Then you limit yourself from tank upgrades. I run t5's, vho and pc's for transition only. I could care less about what they do for my coral because metal halide does EVERYTHING for growth of ANYTHING in my tanks. I use actinics just before (not during) and after the MH cycle and this is only for transition. My tank is 22 inches deep. I am not looking to upgrade to a custom tank thats 30 inches deep. I will not have to add or upgrade lighting. My MH will do just fine. Sure, I got a chiller but it barely ever comes on. I just planned for MH and installed ice cap variable fans in the canopy and that keeps my temps perfect. Plus the fans aid tremendously in evaporation. Perfect setup. I'm just not feeling the whole t5 hype. Plus NOTHING compares to the look and effect you will get from MH. Just my 2 cents.
reefierone
New member
i run two 400 watters on a 225 along side 220 watts of actinic vho with no chiller temp stays perfect
DLANDINO
D.L. Heritage Rings
Update:
I have installed the MH lights and am on day two. My personal info has the lighting specs. My worries about heat were for nothing. I have noticed only a 1 degree increase in heat during the on periods. The shimmer is amazing. I have not noticed any growth of course yet but am anticipating good things. Thanks again all.
Dave
I have installed the MH lights and am on day two. My personal info has the lighting specs. My worries about heat were for nothing. I have noticed only a 1 degree increase in heat during the on periods. The shimmer is amazing. I have not noticed any growth of course yet but am anticipating good things. Thanks again all.
Dave
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