Lighting....

kmf507 · 07/12/2006, 06:39 PM

I'm considering a new lighting system. I've read that T5's tend to be better overall, but I am concerned mostly with noise (from the fans), heat output, and electric bill damage. The lights would be for a 48" tank. I'm not terribly concerned with T5's allow you to have this, PC cannot let you have that, as the main focus on my tank will continue to be the fish over the corals.

Any specific brand recommendations? Odessa? T5? Orbit?

Thanks.

kmf507 · 07/13/2006, 07:21 AM

Anyone? I think this question is pretty valid. For most, either type of lighting upgrade would suffice for corals. I could find no thread looking at the differences of heat, noise, and electricity.

Thanks.

scott058 · 07/13/2006, 09:01 AM

What are you planning on putting in the tank in the future? Are you going to keep it a fowlr? Explain a little more on what you want for better ways to help you out

kmf507 · 07/13/2006, 10:43 AM

No, upgraded lighting would no be for FOWLR. I want to be able to add some corals. However, I am not really worried about the difference of T5 is better for clams, etc as I will choose corals to fit the light. I am more concerned about nontank issues with the lighting. What is better in terms of noise, heat, and elec usage?

For instance, even if T5s are better for corals/allow you to have more corals, I would probably choose a PC set up if it was quieter and cheaper regarding electricity.

Thanks.

scott058 · 07/14/2006, 12:45 AM

I have had t-5 and pc setups. If it was me I would go with the T-5.
The bulbs last longer and put out less heat. With good reflectors you can do pretty much anything you want with them as well.

07/12/2006, 06:39 PM	#1
kmf507 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 669	Lighting.... I'm considering a new lighting system. I've read that T5's tend to be better overall, but I am concerned mostly with noise (from the fans), heat output, and electric bill damage. The lights would be for a 48" tank. I'm not terribly concerned with T5's allow you to have this, PC cannot let you have that, as the main focus on my tank will continue to be the fish over the corals. Any specific brand recommendations? Odessa? T5? Orbit? Thanks.

07/13/2006, 07:21 AM	#2
kmf507 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 669	Anyone? I think this question is pretty valid. For most, either type of lighting upgrade would suffice for corals. I could find no thread looking at the differences of heat, noise, and electricity. Thanks.

07/13/2006, 09:01 AM	#3
scott058 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 180	What are you planning on putting in the tank in the future? Are you going to keep it a fowlr? Explain a little more on what you want for better ways to help you out

07/13/2006, 10:43 AM	#4
kmf507 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 669	No, upgraded lighting would no be for FOWLR. I want to be able to add some corals. However, I am not really worried about the difference of T5 is better for clams, etc as I will choose corals to fit the light. I am more concerned about nontank issues with the lighting. What is better in terms of noise, heat, and elec usage? For instance, even if T5s are better for corals/allow you to have more corals, I would probably choose a PC set up if it was quieter and cheaper regarding electricity. Thanks.

07/14/2006, 12:45 AM	#5
scott058 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 180	I have had t-5 and pc setups. If it was me I would go with the T-5. The bulbs last longer and put out less heat. With good reflectors you can do pretty much anything you want with them as well.