Power Compact light pros and cons

I would go with a good t5ho fixture over MHs. I am pumping out more par than some people's MHs. Not saying it is better than all, but you have more options w/ t5ho, costs less overall, and doesn't run as hot.

I have used PCs w/ great results, but would never go back to them.

 

Go to Aquarium Lights Hellolights.com and check out their T5HO retrofit kits.

 

save your money, don't go anything less than T5s

 

will 24 watts be okay?

 

your going to want at least 2 bulbs if not 4 bulbs. more the better.

 

Watts means nothing. That only tells you how much electricity they will use.

General rule of thumb...
PC is only good for a maximum of 12" of depth, NO SPS.
T5HO-A.Single Reflector good for up to 24" of depth, SPS 18" of depth
B.Individual Relector good for SPS at 24"
MH-A.250w Good for 18" depth
B.400w Good for up to 30", SPS 24" of depth

Nothing compares to the lumens put out by a T5HO.

T5HO 216w(48" 4x54w) is equal to MH 400w up to 18" depth. The down side to the 400w MH is the intensity is directed underneath the light, where the T5HO is spread out across the length of the bulb with the same intensity.

Search for my articles on here about T5HOs. I run both MH nd T5HO on different tanks. Each tank is a different situation...

 

good info there, also not all bulbs are made equal in this hobby.

 

great information!

my thoughts are.. if you have a very long tank t5s are the way to go because of the spread out light distribution as stated.

if you have a short deep tank like a cube or column tank i would recommend a MH with a good bulb, like a 14k phoenix or XM to still give you a nice actinic look.

for example i have 37g with dimensions of 30x12x24 (deep and short) a single MH pendant that cost me $150 gives my tank all the lighting it needs with a deep penetration. where as a 55g 48x13x20 tank that is 48" long would be much more suited for a t5 fixture because it is shallow enough for t5s to fully penetrate with a wide spread intensity to accommodate the length.

something to think about.

-Jay

 

okay thats guys for all the help i really appreciate it helping out the newbie

I think i am now able to make a good decision

 

Dont forget about fishneedit.com too. I heard nothing but good reviews about their customer service and their MH and T5 fixtures.