lighting question

[sanababit]

hello guys, i was wondering whats the difference between T5 lights, power compact lights and metal halides.

i would like to know diference in cost of running them, and how effective are they, i read somewhere that t5 are cheaper and they use less electricity and are as bright as halides, is this true??, thanks

sana

[BLockamon]

T5 and metal halide are way better than power compact in terms of light output.

T5 might be a little cheaper than metal halide. T5 will have a lower electricity cost. Bulb replacement will probably be similar; T5 bulbs cost less and generally last longer, but you will have more of them.

Are T5 as bright as metal halide...it depends. Can you use T5 to keep light-living critter...you bet. T5 is good to at least 24" tall tanks. For taller, you may want more T5 bulbs or high-wattage metal halide.

[Entropy]

I think the big difference between flourescent bulbs and halides is the glitter lines that halides have because they are single point lights. T5, PC, and VHO all use the same technology and deliver similar results. The output and effectiveness of the three vary depending on setup and configurations, but the effect is even lighting across the entire bulb.

I like halides.