A few questions about PC lights.

Chag · 05/19/2010, 10:57 PM

I just recently got a 2x65w PC light fixture on craigslist for cheap and I have a few questions.

Why are PC lights so bad? I read everywhere that MH and t5s are better, why? I don't know how old the lights on the fixture are so how will I know when to replace my lights?

jtma508 · 05/20/2010, 10:52 AM

They produce alot of heat and a good deal of the light is not focused into the tank. Some goes up some (by virtue of the bend) just goes back into the light. Sop mainly heat and wasted light. That said, I've been using a 4 x 65w PC (Corallife) fixture over my 90gal for 2 1/2yrs. I carried it over from my FW tank and just haven't been able to upgrade. I use the UVL internal reflector bulbs (2 x actinic white + 2 x super actinic) and they made a huge difference. My tank has done well with a mix of softies, LPS, zoas and palys. I'd change the bulbs right away since you don't know their age. Check Reef Geek for replacements. You can get a variety of mised bulbs (50/50, 75/25)

sigpialx · 05/20/2010, 12:16 PM

I also had good luck with my old 4 x 64w PC (JBJ) unit. I do agree with jtma508, go pick up some new bulbs. Reef Geek is an excellent place to get your bulbs. It is where I got my replacements.

drew1 · 05/20/2010, 12:29 PM

I've got PCs over my nano. Very healthy tank with softies and fish. There are more limits with PC's than with MH, but stay within those limits and you'll love the lights. And change the bulbs ASAP. You'll appreciate the fresh bulbs.

Chag · 05/20/2010, 08:18 PM

k thanks guys. It sounds like the UVL lights with reflectors are pretty good choices for bulbs. I will go with those.

jtma508 · 05/21/2010, 06:10 AM

Just make sure you install them with the reflectors on top. You'll be surprised that it isn't completely evident when you look at the bulb. When I first changed to the UVL's my purple firefish wouldn't come out of his hole for almost a week they were so much brighter.

05/19/2010, 10:57 PM	#1
Chag Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 137	A few questions about PC lights. I just recently got a 2x65w PC light fixture on craigslist for cheap and I have a few questions. Why are PC lights so bad? I read everywhere that MH and t5s are better, why? I don't know how old the lights on the fixture are so how will I know when to replace my lights?

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05/20/2010, 10:52 AM	#2
jtma508 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,232	They produce alot of heat and a good deal of the light is not focused into the tank. Some goes up some (by virtue of the bend) just goes back into the light. Sop mainly heat and wasted light. That said, I've been using a 4 x 65w PC (Corallife) fixture over my 90gal for 2 1/2yrs. I carried it over from my FW tank and just haven't been able to upgrade. I use the UVL internal reflector bulbs (2 x actinic white + 2 x super actinic) and they made a huge difference. My tank has done well with a mix of softies, LPS, zoas and palys. I'd change the bulbs right away since you don't know their age. Check Reef Geek for replacements. You can get a variety of mised bulbs (50/50, 75/25)

05/20/2010, 12:16 PM	#3
sigpialx Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Orange Posts: 183	I also had good luck with my old 4 x 64w PC (JBJ) unit. I do agree with jtma508, go pick up some new bulbs. Reef Geek is an excellent place to get your bulbs. It is where I got my replacements.

05/20/2010, 12:29 PM	#4
drew1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 189	I've got PCs over my nano. Very healthy tank with softies and fish. There are more limits with PC's than with MH, but stay within those limits and you'll love the lights. And change the bulbs ASAP. You'll appreciate the fresh bulbs.

05/20/2010, 08:18 PM	#5
Chag Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 137	k thanks guys. It sounds like the UVL lights with reflectors are pretty good choices for bulbs. I will go with those.

05/21/2010, 06:10 AM	#6
jtma508 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,232	Just make sure you install them with the reflectors on top. You'll be surprised that it isn't completely evident when you look at the bulb. When I first changed to the UVL's my purple firefish wouldn't come out of his hole for almost a week they were so much brighter.