T5 vs quads

reefranger911 · 12/06/2006, 03:24 AM

I'm trying to find what would be the best way to suplement my existing lighting on a 180g reef tank. I currently have two 250w MH over it, the light fixture housings I intend on using are approx. 5" in width and (as best I can figure from tiny pics on websites) will hold two 48" T5 bulbs each with the bulky waterproof end caps (I have two housings that I intend on placing in front of and behind the MHs) this set up will provide 716w total, the other option I am considering and favor, at this point is placing four 96w pc quads in the same housings for a total of 884w. anyone have have a good reason to go with the T5s over the quads, or should I let pure wattage win over all?

psimitry · 12/06/2006, 04:55 AM

If the T5s are individually reflected, you will get more intense light (and potentially a lot more of it) than any PC can ever provide.

IndyMatt · 12/06/2006, 08:13 AM

T-5 bulbs also last a lot longer than PC's as well. The T-5's win over the PC's by far. Not even comparable PAR wise. Only thing comparable to the T-5's are Metal Halide in my opinion. This is from my own experience, I haven't seen the LED PFO lights so I don't even count them and since most can't afford them either.

Henry Bowman · 12/06/2006, 08:40 AM

T5's without a doubt would win in my opinion

reefranger911 · 12/06/2006, 01:59 PM

thanks, thats kinda what I thought, anyone have experience with 60" T5s? their does not seem as much info available for them as for 48" and kits and bulbs are not as easily available as well. (I realize 48" probably fits over most tanks)

Ti · 12/06/2006, 02:12 PM

T5 > PC.

12/06/2006, 03:24 AM	#1
reefranger911 Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Evergreen CO. Posts: 26	T5 vs quads I'm trying to find what would be the best way to suplement my existing lighting on a 180g reef tank. I currently have two 250w MH over it, the light fixture housings I intend on using are approx. 5" in width and (as best I can figure from tiny pics on websites) will hold two 48" T5 bulbs each with the bulky waterproof end caps (I have two housings that I intend on placing in front of and behind the MHs) this set up will provide 716w total, the other option I am considering and favor, at this point is placing four 96w pc quads in the same housings for a total of 884w. anyone have have a good reason to go with the T5s over the quads, or should I let pure wattage win over all?

12/06/2006, 08:40 AM	#4
Henry Bowman Reefing since '87 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Allegheny Mountains of VA Posts: 2,162	T5's without a doubt would win in my opinion __________________ Have a good'un Current Tank Info: 90 gl SPS dominant / upgrade in the works

12/06/2006, 02:12 PM	#6
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	T5 > PC. __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

12/06/2006, 04:55 AM	#2
psimitry Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,560	If the T5s are individually reflected, you will get more intense light (and potentially a lot more of it) than any PC can ever provide.

12/06/2006, 08:13 AM	#3
IndyMatt Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Indy Posts: 568	T-5 bulbs also last a lot longer than PC's as well. The T-5's win over the PC's by far. Not even comparable PAR wise. Only thing comparable to the T-5's are Metal Halide in my opinion. This is from my own experience, I haven't seen the LED PFO lights so I don't even count them and since most can't afford them either.

12/06/2006, 01:59 PM	#5
reefranger911 Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Evergreen CO. Posts: 26	thanks, thats kinda what I thought, anyone have experience with 60" T5s? their does not seem as much info available for them as for 48" and kits and bulbs are not as easily available as well. (I realize 48" probably fits over most tanks)