whitch would be better for a 135 gallon reef tank

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by thumper_1151, Jan 15, 2009.

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  1. thumper_1151

    thumper_1151 Plankton

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    I know everone on this site prefers t5 over pc but my question is would a 6x96w pc fixture put off as much light as a 6x80w t5 fixture. from what I have read the t5 are more efficient but I can save $150 by getting pcs. so should I spend the extra and buy the lower wattage t5 fixture or buy the higher wattage pc fixture?
    thanks
     
    thumper_1151, Jan 15, 2009
    thumper_1151, Jan 15, 2009
    #1

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  2. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    How deep is the tank? T5s have a better PAR value and are more intense than PCs. I would go with the T5s but the end choice is up to you. In the long run, you will probably be happier with the T5s. But, if the tank is deeper than 20 in. you may want to consider MHs because the T5s or the PCs won't penetrate that deeply.
     
    GuitarMan89, Jan 15, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Jan 15, 2009
    #2
  3. reefman1132

    reefman1132 Skunk Shrimp

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    Wattage isn't everything.
     
    reefman1132, Jan 15, 2009
    reefman1132, Jan 15, 2009
    #3
  4. thumper_1151

    thumper_1151 Plankton

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    yss I know wattage isn't everything I was just wondering if the higher wattage of the pc would make them equal to the t5. the tank is 72" wide by 18" deep by 24" tall. I really wanted to stay away from halides. so I was thinking I could put any light hungry corals near the center of the tank where the bulbs will overlap, because as I know you are all aware the bulbs in a 72" fixture are staggared. I am leaning toward the t5s myself. but when I saw I could save $150 by going with compacts I just thought I would ask for some other opinions. also the pc bulbs are cheaper but I know they need to be replaced more often than the t5s.
    thanks again everone is great help.
     
    thumper_1151, Jan 15, 2009
    thumper_1151, Jan 15, 2009
    #4
  5. reefman1132

    reefman1132 Skunk Shrimp

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    Well if all things stand equal it more a matter of preference or logistics. IDK if higher wattage PC's equal the T-5.
     
    reefman1132, Jan 15, 2009
    reefman1132, Jan 15, 2009
    #5
  6. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    I would go with the t5s, I think you will be happier in the long run. $150 may seem like a huge difference now, but if down the road you need to buy another fixture/replace it you will be much happier that you spent the money now.
     
    GuitarMan89, Jan 15, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Jan 15, 2009
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  7. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

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    t5 is worth it youll save the cash in bulb changes anyway
     
    Iraf, Jan 15, 2009
    Iraf, Jan 15, 2009
    #7
  8. thumper_1151

    thumper_1151 Plankton

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    thanks everyone I think I am going to go with the t5 fixture. I will post some pics once I get it up and running. I have wanted a reef tank for many years now and I can't wait to get it running!!! all of the information on this site has been more than I could have asked for.
     
    thumper_1151, Jan 15, 2009
    thumper_1151, Jan 15, 2009
    #8
  9. reefman1132

    reefman1132 Skunk Shrimp

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    lol me too.
     
    reefman1132, Jan 15, 2009
    reefman1132, Jan 15, 2009
    #9
  10. thumper_1151

    thumper_1151 Plankton

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    do you all think the 6x 80w t5 fixture will be enough light? or should I go with a 8x80W t5 fixture?
     
    thumper_1151, Jan 27, 2009
    thumper_1151, Jan 27, 2009
    #10
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