PC versus T5

Stixbaraca · #1 08/18/2007, 09:23 AM

I am in the process of upgrading my current lighting of 2 x 175W SE Hamilton and 1 x 96W Actinic Power Compact...to a new setup. In my new setup, and already ordered 2 Phoenix 14K DE bulbs and reflectors. I am thinking now about swapping out the PC for T5. Space is limited, and here is my question. Is it worth swapping out my one 96W PC tube for two 39watt Actinic T5s?

jgatmaitan · #2 08/18/2007, 11:22 AM

I switched my lighting setup from VHO to T5 and I am happy with it. Not really a direct comparison from PC to T5 but the light output from the T5 is impressive to me. If you do switch, get individual reflectors.

Stixbaraca · #3 08/18/2007, 02:27 PM

Anyone else have an opinion?

Ruu · #4 08/18/2007, 09:22 PM

T5's are great, the two 39W would probably be brighter than the PC (depending on the ballast / reflectors), but I'm not sure I would spend the cash just for supplements, since you already have the PC.

On the other hand, I am the last person in the world that should be lecturing people on buying new equipment, so if it makes you happy, do it.

Dave

aquanut6 · #5 08/19/2007, 09:14 AM

I've been doing a lot of research on T5s and from everything I've read T5s blow away PCs from the gate. Then, there are those that think PCs are just T5s in a different setting.

I'm in the process of changing the lighting over my 120 (48x24x24) to 8x54w T5s from the 4x110w VHO and 2x54w T5s. as I've noticed that the corals under my T5s are displaying better colors and showing more growth...

Stixbaraca · #6 08/19/2007, 09:23 AM

If I can find a buyer for my Coralife 96 x 2 PC ballast I will do the upgrade

aquanut6 · #7 08/19/2007, 09:27 AM

I don't think you'd be disappointed at all. Most people rave about the UV Lighting Super Actinic T5s for supplementation although the same people think that the VHO Super Actinic brings out the colors better in corals...

With that said, VHO supplementation is not a bad idea either...

spankey · #8 08/19/2007, 02:31 PM

Steve,

Keep one very important factor in mind if you do decide to go with T5's. Seeing how you are going to HQI from mogal there will be an intensity difference. Possible coral burn? If you go from PC's to T5's at the same time you might burn more than you think. T5's put out allot of PAR, even the actinic ones. Some actinic T5's put out more par than some halides so please be very carefull!

Good luck with your choice.
Sal.

Stixbaraca · #9 08/19/2007, 03:49 PM

Thanks for the heads up Sal. I know the best thing would be to let the tank get acclimated to the HQIs first then doing the PC >T5 upgrade. I just figured it would be nice to do it all at once.

Jay4Robin · #10 08/19/2007, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stixbaraca
Thanks for the heads up Sal. I know the best thing would be to let the tank get acclimated to the HQIs first then doing the PC >T5 upgrade. I just figured it would be nice to do it all at once.

I bleached a few when i changed over to the combo unit. Go slow. When I put all new bulbs in I killed all my montis on the tops. They are skinny bulbs but they have alot of power.

cmondo · #11 08/19/2007, 06:19 PM

If you are using them for supplemental lighting the blue that you get is amazing. ECA has a strip setup where you can turn on all the bulbs and see the different color spectrum each one has.

Also they are much more intense as mentioned above, I only have T-5's on my tank and I get some great colors out of all my corals.

Stixbaraca · #12 08/19/2007, 07:47 PM

I like the color flexibility that T5 offers. I am thinking I will go that route in the very near future.

allykahn · #13 08/20/2007, 08:43 PM

Make sure that you get individual reflectors for each bulb. Try to get the IceCap reflectors if possible as they are really good. I switched over from VHOs to T5s several months ago on my 180, although I do run 1 single vho actinic with the T5s.

Also, T5s will run better if they have a fan cooling them down some. As mentioned in other posts, they are a dramatic increase in light.

Stixbaraca · #14 08/21/2007, 05:31 AM

Thanks for the tips! I am leaning towards them.

Big Boy69 · #15 08/24/2007, 08:53 AM

Get rid of the Halides and go with all T-5's.
I run 8 of them over my 120g. Sal and other people can tell you what my tank looks like.

Jay4Robin · #16 08/24/2007, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Boy69
Get rid of the Halides and go with all T-5's.
I run 8 of them over my 120g. Sal and other people can tell you what my tank looks like.

He supplies Sal with frags. A conflict of interest in my book

Big Boy69 · #17 08/24/2007, 09:55 AM

That's funny.