T5 vs. PC wattage suppl. to MH? confused

Piper1 · 01/27/2008, 05:58 PM

Would 2x36w t5's or 2x96w PC's be better as a supplementation to Metal Halides? I know there would be more wattage with the PC's, but would less wattage with the better T5's be better?

mrrrkva · 01/27/2008, 06:37 PM

2X96w will definately put out more light. How is the wattage of the MH's, What is the color specturm? And what size is the tank? What kind of corals do you have?

reeformadness · 01/27/2008, 06:38 PM

The PC's would put out more light. Why not go with more or bigger or overdriven T-5s?

Piper1 · 01/27/2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrrrkva
2X96w will definately put out more light. How is the wattage of the MH's, What is the color specturm? And what size is the tank? What kind of corals do you have?

I am planning my lighting for my new 75g at the present time. Was thinking of going with dual 150w MH @ 14K, and the Coralife Aqualight retrofit 2x96w would fit nicely in the little remaining room I have left in the canopy hood. That is one consideration I have to take in, I have a narrow strip of about 6" to fit in the supplemental lights and the Aqualight retro is 5.5". Looking to keep mostly softies, LPS and only a few SPS. Lights will be roughly 8" from the aquarium.

mrrrkva · 01/27/2008, 06:56 PM

For a 75 I would go with at least 2X175 mh but later you will wish you went with 2X250's and there is very little difference in the price. 2X96 are a good choice but you could overdrive the t-5's

If you are leaning towards sps or clams go for 2X250's MH

mrrrkva · 01/27/2008, 06:57 PM

Also if you ever decide to move up to the 120 Gallon in the future you will already have your lighting in place and you will love the extra width in that tank!

reeformadness · 01/27/2008, 07:40 PM

I would go 2 X 110 VHO Actinics for supplementation in that case.

Craig Lambert · 01/27/2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reeformadness
I would go 2 X 110 VHO Actinics for supplementation in that case.

I'll second that. If you just want actinic supplimentation for MH, t-5 or PC don't hold a candle to VHO super actinics.

Piper1 · 01/27/2008, 08:13 PM

What about heat issues? Will I have a water temp problem more wiht the 250's vs. the 150's? Do I need an open top, or can I keep the glass top on it to help reduce evaporation and protect the lights.... I realize that an open top is easier to cool off the water, but would a glass top be doable?

Craig Lambert · 01/27/2008, 08:24 PM

250's in a 75G could cause heat issues depending upon the ambient temp of your house. I would recommend either 175's or t-5's. If it up to me personally, i would choose t-5's over a 75G tank. I am running them myself, and with a 6 bulb fixture or configuration w/ single light reflectors you can keep anything you want. (Provided your flow and water quality are up to snuff).

01/27/2008, 05:58 PM	#1
Piper1 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 103	T5 vs. PC wattage suppl. to MH? confused Would 2x36w t5's or 2x96w PC's be better as a supplementation to Metal Halides? I know there would be more wattage with the PC's, but would less wattage with the better T5's be better?

01/27/2008, 08:24 PM	#10
Craig Lambert Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,897	250's in a 75G could cause heat issues depending upon the ambient temp of your house. I would recommend either 175's or t-5's. If it up to me personally, i would choose t-5's over a 75G tank. I am running them myself, and with a 6 bulb fixture or configuration w/ single light reflectors you can keep anything you want. (Provided your flow and water quality are up to snuff). __________________ "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend all day in a boat drinking beer." Current Tank Info: 75G Tank, 29G Sump, 100lbs LR, AquaC EV-180, Iwaki MD-20RT return Tunze nano streams 4X54 t-5/Icecap Ballast & SLR's 2x110 vho actinic

01/27/2008, 06:37 PM	#2
mrrrkva Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 851	2X96w will definately put out more light. How is the wattage of the MH's, What is the color specturm? And what size is the tank? What kind of corals do you have?

01/27/2008, 06:38 PM	#3
reeformadness Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 650	The PC's would put out more light. Why not go with more or bigger or overdriven T-5s?

01/27/2008, 06:56 PM	#5
mrrrkva Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 851	For a 75 I would go with at least 2X175 mh but later you will wish you went with 2X250's and there is very little difference in the price. 2X96 are a good choice but you could overdrive the t-5's If you are leaning towards sps or clams go for 2X250's MH

01/27/2008, 06:57 PM	#6
mrrrkva Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 851	Also if you ever decide to move up to the 120 Gallon in the future you will already have your lighting in place and you will love the extra width in that tank!

01/27/2008, 07:40 PM	#7
reeformadness Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 650	I would go 2 X 110 VHO Actinics for supplementation in that case.

01/27/2008, 08:13 PM	#9
Piper1 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 103	What about heat issues? Will I have a water temp problem more wiht the 250's vs. the 150's? Do I need an open top, or can I keep the glass top on it to help reduce evaporation and protect the lights.... I realize that an open top is easier to cool off the water, but would a glass top be doable?