05TurboS2K
New member
Hi, my LFS was selling a 4 bulb x 54watt T-5 Setup. My PC light bulb was getting old so I figured hey for 200 bux used this thing would solve my lighting problems. Things are doing ok. I've had a crocea clam for a few months that looks great and most everything else looks good too for the most part.
Now another LFS told me "your running T-5 without a halide or PC as well? You shouldn't do that bla bla T-5 is not for use by itself. " Now I'm a bit lost. I'm hoping their wrong.
55 Gallon Tank: Softies/fish
216W T-5 54x4 2 actinic / 2 10k
VS.
220W PC 54x4 2 actinic / 2 10k
This is 4watts per gallon either way. My understanding is that WATTS = nothing since the efficiency of lighting is not all the same. HID lights on a car consume WAY less then regular lights but put out far more light. I would assume then T-5's are more efficient so that watt is now not a good way to measure but instead PAR would be better. Physically looking at the two the T-5 is FAR brighter by my eye site. Perhaps thats cause i had old bulbs in the PC setup though and I just made stupid assumption. Certainly both setups ontop is too much light right?
I still have my PC setup, should I slap that on top too? I would think not. Thx for everyones help by the way.
-Greg
Now another LFS told me "your running T-5 without a halide or PC as well? You shouldn't do that bla bla T-5 is not for use by itself. " Now I'm a bit lost. I'm hoping their wrong.
55 Gallon Tank: Softies/fish
216W T-5 54x4 2 actinic / 2 10k
VS.
220W PC 54x4 2 actinic / 2 10k
This is 4watts per gallon either way. My understanding is that WATTS = nothing since the efficiency of lighting is not all the same. HID lights on a car consume WAY less then regular lights but put out far more light. I would assume then T-5's are more efficient so that watt is now not a good way to measure but instead PAR would be better. Physically looking at the two the T-5 is FAR brighter by my eye site. Perhaps thats cause i had old bulbs in the PC setup though and I just made stupid assumption. Certainly both setups ontop is too much light right?
I still have my PC setup, should I slap that on top too? I would think not. Thx for everyones help by the way.
-Greg