Which light fixture is better?

[ZoeS]

For a 28 gallon bowfront reef tank (softies, zoas).

2 x 24W T5HO, or
130W PC coralife?

The way some people go on about T5s makes me think that maybe T5s would be better... but 48W is an awwful lot less than 130W.

[carb850]

2 T5's would probably be enough if you got individual reflectors such as the Ice Cap retro kits. If you were looking at a shared reflector fixture, I think a 4 bulb T5 would be needed.

The 130W PC would probably work pretty well too. First I though it would be too much for softies, but if you ran one of the bulbs dual actinic and have it stay on a few hours before and after your second bulb, it should probably work out pretty well.

[atvdave]

It's not about watts, it's about PARS. T-5s put out more PAR than a PC.

However for that small of a tank either should work fine.

[ZoeS]

Thanks!
I feel like my lights aren't bright... but I just got new ones and will be replacing them soon so maybe that will renew my appreciation of PCs.

Zoe

[dsn112]

I have the exact same tank, I am using the older nova extreme with one reflector and my tank Gets good lighting throughout and all of my corals are happy. Its a 4 bulb t5 and its stock bulbs. One of the best $150 i spent for this tank.

[dsn112]

oh, here it is a in august when I first set it up with PC's

[dsn112]

Look at the color of the clowns now vs before, bottom left of older pic.

[ZoeS]

Very nice!
Unfortunately here in Canada, I'll be spending about $500 on a 4 x 25W T5 fixture.

[carb850]

The 24" T5 fixtures don't seem to be much cheaper than their 48" counterparts. Actually, that is what led to putting together a larger tank, but back to your lighting situation.

Reefgeek sells a Ice Cap 4 x 24W retro kit for $269 USD. That would be lots of light for your 28bow.


http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...ulbs_by_IceCap

[ZoeS]

Unfortunately by the time I pay for shipping, customs, and brokerage fees, it'll cost almost twice that
Friggin Canada!

[FL.Joe]

will heat be an issure?

[ZoeS]

No... I have currently have the PC fixture and it does heat up the water, but a small fan works perfectly to bring it down. I don't want a canopy, though, that would get too hot. Anything I can use a fan with is fine.

[JeremyWW]

I hear you on the "no cheap lights in canada" thing. I'd check this set out though. The company is located in British Columbia, i've ordered from them numerous times and they're great. the unit doesn't have single bulb reflectors but it is 4 x 24w

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ID=sl-t5nw2404

[ZoeS]

Originally posted by JeremyWW
I hear you on the "no cheap lights in canada" thing. I'd check this set out though. The company is located in British Columbia, i've ordered from them numerous times and they're great. the unit doesn't have single bulb reflectors but it is 4 x 24w

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ID=sl-t5nw2404

Sunlight supply states themselves that that fixture is NOT intended for use over aquariums... no thanks, I don't want to be responsible for a fire in my apartment. This is why I no longer shop at JL