would 96 watts of t5 be better then 130 watts of pc?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by sollie7, May 3, 2010.

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  1. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    A guy on my local reef club has a Current USA extreme 4x24 t5 fixture w/ 1.5 month old aqua science bulbs and the stock bulbs that are 6 months old for $125.00

    Im thinking of buying this for my reef tank and using the coralife pc fixture with one bulb on my new mr aqua tank.

    So is 96w of t5 better then 130w pc?

    oh yeah he said that this fixture has individual reflectors

    now to just sell some driftwood hopefully
     
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  3. horkn

    horkn Giant Squid

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    Yes, the PAR of PC units is pretty horrific. a 4x24 t5ho fixture, even if it had not ideal reflectors would be a huge difference in light form the 130w of PC.

    I had 117w of t5ho ( three 29w tubes) over my 3foot 35g and I kept sps and clams in it.
     
  4. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    cool now I just need to make about $75.00 so Im not completely broke after I buy it and a regulator.
     
  5. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    any more opinions?
     
  6. ontop27

    ontop27 Ritteri Anemone

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    I would definitely go with the t-5s. I have 2x36 watt Pc that I couldn't keep much under. But when I moved it under my 2x24 t-5 they flourished. less heat too
     
  7. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    go with the T5

    a Watt is a unit of electricity and not an indication of the amount of light created

    T5s are more efficient so they create more useable light whilst using less watts

    Steve
     
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  9. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    Ill try I just need to make some more moeny
     
  10. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    someone has a 65w pc fixture on the for sale forum here so tempting considering that would be perfect for the mr aqua if its 24" and I could buy it now but I do want t5's for my reef but don't have enough money right now(to buy it and have money left for go cart that is) and dont know if people will buy stuff
     
  11. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

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    If it is for that tank, the 130 watt of pc would be fine. I ran 130watts of PC on my old 50 and I kept a clam, some sps, and a few other corals that all did great. However, if you can can afford them, go with the t5s.
     
  12. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    tanks really tall its a hex had the 130watts of pc since I set it up after christmas but if I sell stuff im getting the t5s