T-5 vs PC

namas · #1 12/31/2007, 12:35 AM

I am considering switching to T-5.
Currently I have a 45 gl tank 36 x 12 x 24 deep.
And I am running 3 96 watt pc bulbs.

I know the 36" T-5's are 39 watts each.

Would a 4 x 39 watt fixure give me as much light?

And would it be enough to add a clam or some sps?

Currently i have mostly softies and LPS.

And what bulbs would you suggest if I make the switch.

Any help?

Thanks

namas · #2 12/31/2007, 09:41 AM

bump

killagoby · #3 12/31/2007, 10:01 AM

Smart move. I think T5's are much better than PC's. They run cooler, and you can get better output from them. 4 will be fine in your depth tank for softies and LPS's. For more demanding SPS's I'd do 6 bulbs. Make sure each bulb has an individual reflector to maximize it's output. Are you going to do retrofit, or do a fixture?

namas · #4 12/31/2007, 10:10 AM

Probably a fixture.

Is there a good place to find a 6 bulb fixture? I have seen 4, but not any 6 bulb fixtures.

Any idea's?

chris4869 · #5 12/31/2007, 10:45 AM

ReefGeek has them.

Logzor · #6 12/31/2007, 11:27 AM

My T5 with less wattage blew the water out of my PC's that I used to have hooked up. Hide your shrooms.

killagoby · #7 12/31/2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by namas
Probably a fixture.

Is there a good place to find a 6 bulb fixture? I have seen 4, but not any 6 bulb fixtures.

Any idea's?

Try here. You can try this too.

namas · #8 12/31/2007, 02:03 PM

Thanks everyone for the help.

so a 5 or 6 bulb would be good for adding sps or a clam?

And would they all have to be place high in the tank?

killagoby · #9 12/31/2007, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by namas
Thanks everyone for the help.

so a 5 or 6 bulb would be good for adding sps or a clam?

And would they all have to be place high in the tank?

I'd do that 6 bulb strip. Is it the one by Sunlight Supply you are looking at? This way you can do 3 midday Giesemann bulbs, one 420nm actinic bulb, one 450nm actinic bulb, and maybe one 11k bulb.

namas · #10 01/02/2008, 01:16 PM

OK, one more stupid question here.

Most of the 6 bulb units I see are wider than 12", with the exception of the current USA nove extreme pro.

Is this a good unit, or is it better to get a different unit and just deal with the over hang?

I would really rather not have to over hang, but if I have too I have too.

And has anyone used this one I see on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/36-Aquarium-Ligh...QQcmdZViewItem

Probably not worth the money.

Any suggestions on brands would be great.

Thanks

killagoby · #11 01/02/2008, 01:23 PM

Check out this forum.

namas · #12 01/02/2008, 04:02 PM

Ok,

So is in your opinion a good light choice or should I go with a better one?

Sounds like it would work for me, but if spending a little more will get me a better light should I go ahead and spend the extra and go with a wider one with better reflectors?

Which would you buy if it was you putting it on your 45 gallon tank?

killagoby · #13 01/02/2008, 05:14 PM

I'd go with this, placed directly on the tank. With 3 of these, and 1 of these, and 1 of these.