18inch 96watt quad coralife pc vs 24inch 48watt t5

happyface888 · #1 09/17/2007, 10:48 PM

I am currently using a 96watt quad pc light and I was wondering would it be better to swtich over to t5's? And will it be alot better for zoas and brighter aswell? Tank is 45g 28long 18high 18deep. Please recommend a retro fit for aroudn 100-150

ianiwane · #2 09/17/2007, 10:55 PM

I don't think a 2x24 watt T5HO light would be brighter than a quad coralife. The T5HO is more efficient but not to that extent. If you overdrove it with a icecap ballast or got a 4x24 T5HO it would probably give you more light. One plus is that the T5HO will run cooler.

happyface888 · #3 09/17/2007, 11:02 PM

Hmm besides brightwise would the a 2x28 t5 beat my pcs?

happyface888 · #4 09/17/2007, 11:11 PM

Oh And does anyone know what PAR stands for?

fishnfst · #5 09/17/2007, 11:18 PM

Photosynthetically active radiation....

happyface888 · #6 09/18/2007, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ianiwane
I don't think a 2x24 watt T5HO light would be brighter than a quad coralife. The T5HO is more efficient but not to that extent. If you overdrove it with a icecap ballast or got a 4x24 T5HO it would probably give you more light. One plus is that the T5HO will run cooler.

Alright I was recommended to get this set
Let me know if this is better than my 96watt pcs
which are these
http://www.aquatichobbyaquariumsuppl...ctCode=ES53201
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...ulbs_by_IceCap

happyface888 · #7 09/19/2007, 12:02 AM

the bulbs will be ati blue plus and a ge65k
currently my pc is a 50/50.

fishnfst · #8 09/19/2007, 12:37 AM

It will produce less heat and give slightly better overall coverage.. It's like comparing fuji apples to granny smiths. They are both apples but they are different.. pc's are just bent t5's.. To be fair you should be considering a 4x24w setup instead.. You can't compare 48 watts of light to 96.. The new wave fixtures are about the same price as that 2x24 you listed.. They put out quite a bit of light as well.. The two end reflectors are individual and the two centers are not.. The fixtures can be had for around 129 for a 4x24.. I had a couple of them and they work really well for what they are...

Here is the 4x24w next to a 150w 10k de....

happyface888 · #9 09/19/2007, 12:40 AM

Eventhough they are the same I wouldnt mind cutting back on the electric bill, if they can take care of zoas,shrooms,anthelias and leathers thats all I need. Right now my pc is 18inches and only lights up the center and the sides are dim.

fishnfst · #10 09/19/2007, 12:56 AM

What are the dimension on your tank?

happyface888 · #11 09/19/2007, 01:50 PM

28long 18high 18 deep bow front

klam114 · #12 09/19/2007, 03:44 PM

if you have question about t5 you should ask The Grim Reefer he is great and has help me alot about my t5

blink* · #13 09/19/2007, 06:31 PM

Go with 4x24w T5 HO. Run them with an Icecap ballast preferably. A lot brighter, and better bulb choices too. You won't regret it. I'll never touch PCs again, except maye for refugium lighting.

happyface888 · #14 09/19/2007, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by blink*
Go with 4x24w T5 HO. Run them with an Icecap ballast preferably. A lot brighter, and better bulb choices too. You won't regret it. I'll never touch PCs again, except maye for refugium lighting.

Well thought about that but dont have the money to get 4, right now I just need to know if 2x24 t5s can beat my 96watt pcs. I am not housing any light demanding corals, mainly zoas and I have mainly FO. So not looking to spend to much. Just need to know if these 2x24s are better than my 18inch 96watt pc.Thanks

happyface888 · #15 09/19/2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishnfst
[B]It will produce less heat and give slightly better overall coverage.. It's like comparing fuji apples to granny smiths. They are both apples but they are different.. pc's are just bent t5's.. To be fair you should be considering a 4x24w setup instead.. You can't compare 48 watts of light to 96.. The new wave fixtures are about the same price as that 2x24 you listed.. They put out quite a bit of light as well.. The two end reflectors are individual and the two centers are not.. The fixtures can be had for around 129 for a 4x24.. I had a couple of them and they work really well for what they are...

By any chance you got the link to where you got 4 for 129?
And also can you tell me the measurements of the whole unit once all 4 are put in? I want to make sure my hood can fit them

Lumamae · #16 09/20/2007, 12:04 AM

You asked in your other thread about possible local guy who can help you with the T5 lighting. Not sure if he can, but doesn't hurt to ask. He's mentioned in this thread:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1192689