72G bow - T5 or PC

Unfortunately the shape of the bowfront tank limits the width of the fixture you can use.

I am trying to decide between a LunarLight PC fixture (4-65W) and a Tek T5 fixture (4-54W). The T5 fixture costs a little more but I believe it will provide more light. Does anyone have any information that compares the output from different types of lights - and that takes into account the types of reflectors used.

 

I just bought a T-5HO light (Coralvue). T-5 is the way to go. FYI a 54W T-5 is brighter than a 96W PC!

 

why r they so much brighter when they r less wts?

 

Hmm...one thing i hate is the 1 year anniversary of buying my pcs...that means i gotta fork up $200 to buy new bulbs....thats so not cool...anyone know where i can get the 65W flat bulbs for less than $50?

 

It is the newest reef lighting technology out there. It is hard to find solid info because it is so new. It took me month of research to finally pulled the trigger. I think they product so much light because they started with the most energy effiecent flor. lighting. 48" Flor. NO is T-12 40W, T-8 34W, T-5 21W and they all product the same amount of light! It is going to be real hard to get an apple to apples comparasion until there catch on more. I will be worth it. The T-5 bulb replacement cost will be cheaper in the long run too. I am looking for a link for you.

 

Mailorder!!! you can get your PC bulbs form just about any retailer for about half as much.

Here the link I was looking for chech out this guys tank
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=419188

 

100g with 324 watts of T-5s. 3.24 watt per gallon growing SPS!!! The old guildlines are kind of outdated on T-5HO.

 

Covey, do you think the Tek 4 bulb T5 fixture will be enough light for my 72G bow? The tank is about 19" deep.

I am also considering using two MH pendants. With 175W bulbs it would cost about 30% more than the T5 fixture and with 250W bulbs it would cost about 40% more. Will the MH give more light?

 

I not a Mh expert so someone else will have to chip in there. My tank is 18" deep and it doesn't seem to be a problem. As far as T-5 or MH. With the T-5 you will probably be able to avoid a chiller(big money) and the energy cost will be allot lower. Check back late tomorrow or thursday I will have a pic by then to show a T5 to PC comparison. Do you know if the TEK light is fan cooled? T5 runs cooler but still IMO needs a fan.

 

I used this guy from Texas http://stores.ebay.com/A-to-T-Lamps-Light-Bulb-Store He knows his stuff and uses very good shipping containers.
Jim