Which light to get?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by jtr38230, Dec 19, 2010.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. jtr38230

    jtr38230 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    Messages:
    271
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2010
  2. Click Here!

  3. Newreef15

    Newreef15 Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    Messages:
    2,052
    Location:
    Tallahassee Florida
    i would go with the t5s for sure they have alot more color variations and the bulbs last longer
     
  4. damon

    damon Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Messages:
    543
    Location:
    Santa Cruz Ca
    personally I'd take the t5s over the pc, but I'm no light expert. What are you planing on having under them?
     
  5. jtr38230

    jtr38230 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    Messages:
    271
    Location:
    Tennessee
    I have a 6 foot tank.... sorry i forgot to post that. I'm going to start off with some mushrooms. Wanting some polyps too maybe some ricordea. I have a fish only tank now.
     
  6. NU-2reef

    NU-2reef Montipora Digitata

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2008
    Messages:
    1,099
    Location:
    vancouver, canada
    anytime you have an option to go T5 over PC is a good thing. PC will need quicker bulb changes than T5 and from my experience will produce more heat(pc). not to mention your corals will appreciate a t5 bulb vs pc bulbs. also limited options when using pc bulbs in terms of color spectrum, T5 has a wider range of bulbs for a more complete spectrum
     
  7. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    T5HO definitely. I take it that your are looking to get two fixtures. Those bulbs will work for a softies tank and probably LPS if you put them higher in the tank. You will need to replace the bulbs after 6 months. When you are ready to change just post another thread and we will be happy to give you recommendations for bulbs.
     
    1 person likes this.
  8. Click Here!

  9. damon

    damon Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Messages:
    543
    Location:
    Santa Cruz Ca
    I have some cheap odyssea lights off ebay. Other than not having individual reflectors they seem to work just fine. I replaced the bulb with a mix of ati bulbs from reefgeek right away because I did not like the color and have been pretty happy with them. Are you thinking of running lights end to end or are you looking to get a 6' light? how wide is your tank?
     
    1 person likes this.
  10. jtr38230

    jtr38230 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    Messages:
    271
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Yea running them end to end. Its 20x20x72
    Edit: I will get 2 more fixtures in feb.
     
  11. jtr38230

    jtr38230 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    Messages:
    271
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Went with the 2 t5 fixtures. Seemed like the better way to go. I will have 4 of these fixtures before buying any corals.
     
  12. nc208082

    nc208082 Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2010
    Messages:
    1,113
    Location:
    Toronto
    be careful with odyssea, i have a 36 inch dual mh and pc light of theirs and had to replace all bulbs it came with cuz they were crap quality, once i put new lights in the difference was amazing.