Power Compacts Vs T5 Comparison Pics

I recently switched from 220W PC to 220W T5. Much better lighting, but my tank is now running hotter. I do have the T5s 2-3 inches closer to the water, so that may be why the temp rose.
 
Take away the heat, EVERYONE knows that metal halide lighting is the most efficient, complete lighting source for reefing.
Click to expand...


This is the same type of arguments that came up back in the day,

"Everyone KNOWS plenums are the most efficient...."

"Everyone KNOWS Bio Balls are the best..."

"Everyone KNOWS crushed coral works wonders..."


T5's are perfectly suitable to grow ANY type of coral under the sun. It comes down to personal preference on what lighting system you choose.

If you like metal halides... great go for it.

If you like T5's... great go for it.

As along as you have the appropriate amount of bulbs/appropriate wattage bulb(s), you have your bases covered.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12370227#post12370227 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by turtleman9100
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.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but you're quite misguided when it comes to T5 lighting. T5's will grow "ANYTHING" and a 6 bulb fixture with proper reflectors can rival just about any MH lighting out there when it comes to par and T5s blow most MH away once you consider watts to par. T5s also seem to have higher par levels deeper down in the aquarium so penetration of light isn't an issue. As a matter of fact I have corals that I have to keep shaded in order to keep them from bleaching at the bottom of a 24" tank with only 234w of T5 lighting. That's been my biggest obstacle with T5s, they're too damn bright sometimes. This is coming from someone that used only MH lighting for the last 20 years with great results and currently likes and uses both T5 and MH lighting.

DLANDINO, glad to hear you're happy with your new lighting and by no means was the above intended to mean that you made the wrong choice. T5s and metal halides are both great choices for reef aquariums and which is best depends on what you're looking for in a lighting system.
 
This thread has been a very interesting read but I have to reiterate what has already been said, nobody has yet posted comparison pictures side by side!!

Also I'm still not sure I understand which system is more efficient in terms of electricity consumption? I believe T5s are but not sure on that.. i.e you can use less wattage for the same light output with T5 compared to MH? the fact that there is more waste heat with MH would tend ot rpove it is less efficient...
 
This thread has been a very interesting read but I have to reiterate what has already been said, nobody has yet posted comparison pictures side by side!!

Also I'm still not sure I understand which system is more efficient in terms of electricity consumption? I believe T5s are but not sure on that.. i.e you can use less wattage for the same light output with T5 compared to MH? the fact that there is more waste heat with MH would tend to prove it is less efficient in my eyes.
 
T-5's and MH are both very fine lighting. PC's are far inferior to either one of those. The long and short of it.... T-5's can provide you with nicer colors (using the RIGHT mix of lamps) and MH will give you slightly better growth, in most cases. Also, in most cases, T-5 will transfer less heat to the tank. Setting up a new tank, T-5's. Unless you have some overiding reason, there is not much advantage to replacing your MH setup with T-5. PC's have no place in a reef tank anymore...they are dead tech.

Actually the nicest LOOKING tanks I have seen use moderate MH lighting with ample T-5 lamps.

Mark

p.s. All that said...I am setting up a new tank now, went with Aquaillumination LED's, but thats a whole nuther thread.
 
Last edited:
I think I also know why there are not that many comparison pics out there. My still camera didn't capture all that much difference in outward appearance. I think the proof is in the accelerated growth of all things in the aquarium as well as the ascetic appeal of the halide shimmer. So, I include a link to live video stream from my home.
1. In MS Internet Explorer go to http://69.183.223.197/

username "rc123"
pass word "123456"

You will need the most current version of ActriveX to see the feed.

It is dark in the tank now, daylights turn on at 2pm EST. Thanks.

Dave
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12353340#post12353340 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
as far as heat goes

1W of led = 1watt of PC=1watt of MH=1w of t5
Click to expand...

nick,

I don't understand your equation. Last I checked, heat is measured in temperature degrees.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12354676#post12354676 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DLANDINO
HOw about throwing this into the discussion. Is it a given that all of you out there running MH have chillers? Or are you ok without and I am worrying for nothing? My house is central air conditioned and we keep the temp at about 68-70 degrees year round.
Click to expand...

No Chiller for me but my house has central air. I live in NJ too.
I`m running 2- 150watt MH & 4- 65 watt pc atenics. I have a 144 Half Circle some what deep, and I have to keep SPS mid to low in my tank. My Lights are about 6 inches from the water surface and my temps swing between 77f & 81f.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12576216#post12576216 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DLANDINO
I think I also know why there are not that many comparison pics out there. My still camera didn't capture all that much difference in outward appearance. I think the proof is in the accelerated growth of all things in the aquarium as well as the ascetic appeal of the halide shimmer. So, I include a link to live video stream from my home.
1. In MS Internet Explorer go to http://69.183.223.197/

username "rc123"
pass word "123456"

You will need the most current version of ActriveX to see the feed.

It is dark in the tank now, daylights turn on at 2pm EST. Thanks.

Dave
Click to expand...

Dave I would like to setup something like that on my tank?
Pretty nice this way I can realy not do any work at work:lol:
What type of web cam are you using?
Thanks Mark
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12355430#post12355430 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kayne_21
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!
Click to expand...


the energy is all turned into heat one way or another.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12576545#post12576545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fuschia_red
nick,

I don't understand your equation. Last I checked, heat is measured in temperature degrees.
Click to expand...

Ok, here you go. 1 calorie is the amount of energy taken to heat 1 gram of water 1 degree. 1 calorie is equal to 4.18 joules. 1 Joule/sec is equal to 1 Watt.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12576800#post12576800 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
the energy is all turned into heat one way or another.
Click to expand...


Really? Why is it that different light sources produce varying levels of heat from the same wattage? is it some new fantastic way to produce free heat?

As far as I know any heat produced is wasted energy that is not turned into light. I thought it was well accepted that MH is less efficient for a given light output than T5?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12578441#post12578441 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jack.pe
Really? Why is it that different light sources produce varying levels of heat from the same wattage? is it some new fantastic way to produce free heat?

As far as I know any heat produced is wasted energy that is not turned into light. I thought it was well accepted that MH is less efficient for a given light output than T5?
Click to expand...


Read the link


it is not accepted at all that MH is less efficient, if anything its the most efficient form of light known to man...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Overflowbox work?
Replies
7
Views
478
wvned
wvned
A
Choosing a Canister Filter for 55-gal Saltwater — OASE Biomaster Thermo 600 vs EHEIM Classic
Replies
2
Views
2K
griss
griss
T
Alternative Lighting for Biocube 29
Replies
0
Views
119
thommyboy12183
T
A
Overflowbox work?
Replies
4
Views
398
griss
griss
Reefing102
My UPS - Do you have a UPS back up?
Replies
12
Views
1K
tbone28
tbone28
Back
Top