T5 vs. PC Lighting question?

[NCADAM]

Hello All,

I am wanting to do a softie reef. I am torn between t5 and PC lighting. Also, what is the minimum or maximum watts i should need for a 65 to 70 gallon tank for a softie.

Thanks , Adam
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[WaterKeeper]

I like the T-5's myself better than the PC's.

Much depends on the softies selected. Some will grow under normal home lighting while others need more. I'd use about 350 watts for a tank that size. That will also allow you to consider some hard corals latter on.

[01saleen]

for softies about 4 watts per gallon will give great results. I like the PC lighting my self. Before my halide i had PC lightinfg and everything grew and split happily.

[snagged by reef]

go with t5's. i had both and t5's blew PC's away. and now they are producing many different colored bulbs. it was just a matter of time before Europe got here.

[reef1973]

Some soft corals such as Ricordea etc. can't grows under PC lighting. I would recommend you to go with T5. It will gives you more options to play with. Good luck.

[RobNJ]

T5 for sure... I would go with 6 x 54w T5 Bulbs with reflectors.

That should give you a combined wattage of 324w

[rhythmicfire]

hmmm, well...
-less heat
-more light
-bulbs less expensive
-bulbs can be changed less frequently
-energy efficient
-take up less room to fit more bulbs in the same area
Yeah...go with T-5's

[NCADAM]

As usual thanks everyone!!!!

Adam