Which light would be better?

Drewbaby · 03/27/2010, 12:47 PM

Ok so I found a two used lights for sale for my 30 gallon tank.

Option #1
30" T5 total 48 watts 1- 10,000k and 1- 460nm actinic with parabolic reflector and 4 moonlight LED's - $80

Option #2
36" Power Compact total 96 watts 1 50/50 bulb 10000k/460nm 1 moonlight LED and cooling fan - $70

They are both around the same price so thats not a big deal, but which light is better? I know T5s put out more lumens than the PC, but would the doubled wattage of the PC be a better bet to keep soft corals: shrooms, zoas, etc.

returnofsid · 03/27/2010, 12:58 PM

T5s, under a parabolic reflector, aren't going to be near as good as if under contoured reflectors.

Personally, I'd keep looking, and pass on either of these options.

nvdiz · 03/27/2010, 01:01 PM

both seem to reach the minimal light requirements for even soft corals in a 30g tank. i would go with the T5 though.

benzreef · 03/27/2010, 01:02 PM

no matter the starting cost, PCs will end up costing you more with replacement bulbs and a higher electric bill than with T5s. Both units don't put out quite the intensity that zoas prefer, I would spend a bit more to get something between 100-150 watts. At between 48 and 96 watts, that will stimulate more of the algas, especially if the bulbs have been used previously. Is there room to use them both? :-)

Drewbaby · 03/27/2010, 01:55 PM

I don't think there is enough room for both. And I know individual reflectors would be better than the parabolic, but my budget doesn't allow me to spend too much more. It's my girlfriends tank and I'm also setting up a 180 right now so tying to balance the two. If I were to get either of these two for a temporary which would be better and also what would you reccomend down the road as far as fixtures in the 100-150 watt range for a 30 gallon tank?

mscarpena · 03/27/2010, 03:19 PM

Go with the T-5's, but you will probably not have the best color due to lower watts.

silberspieler · 03/27/2010, 03:46 PM

chose T5

for me is nothing to chosing:P

03/27/2010, 12:47 PM	#1
Drewbaby Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FL Posts: 874	Which light would be better? Ok so I found a two used lights for sale for my 30 gallon tank. Option #1 30" T5 total 48 watts 1- 10,000k and 1- 460nm actinic with parabolic reflector and 4 moonlight LED's - $80 Option #2 36" Power Compact total 96 watts 1 50/50 bulb 10000k/460nm 1 moonlight LED and cooling fan - $70 They are both around the same price so thats not a big deal, but which light is better? I know T5s put out more lumens than the PC, but would the doubled wattage of the PC be a better bet to keep soft corals: shrooms, zoas, etc.

03/27/2010, 12:58 PM	#2
returnofsid Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,852	T5s, under a parabolic reflector, aren't going to be near as good as if under contoured reflectors. Personally, I'd keep looking, and pass on either of these options.

03/27/2010, 01:01 PM	#3
nvdiz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Skokie Posts: 1,345	both seem to reach the minimal light requirements for even soft corals in a 30g tank. i would go with the T5 though.

03/27/2010, 01:02 PM	#4
benzreef Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: The tip of Lake Superior Posts: 256	no matter the starting cost, PCs will end up costing you more with replacement bulbs and a higher electric bill than with T5s. Both units don't put out quite the intensity that zoas prefer, I would spend a bit more to get something between 100-150 watts. At between 48 and 96 watts, that will stimulate more of the algas, especially if the bulbs have been used previously. Is there room to use them both? :-)

03/27/2010, 01:55 PM	#5
Drewbaby Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FL Posts: 874	I don't think there is enough room for both. And I know individual reflectors would be better than the parabolic, but my budget doesn't allow me to spend too much more. It's my girlfriends tank and I'm also setting up a 180 right now so tying to balance the two. If I were to get either of these two for a temporary which would be better and also what would you reccomend down the road as far as fixtures in the 100-150 watt range for a 30 gallon tank?

03/27/2010, 03:19 PM	#6
mscarpena Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 1,924	Go with the T-5's, but you will probably not have the best color due to lower watts.

03/27/2010, 03:46 PM	#7
silberspieler Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: New York Posts: 58	chose T5 for me is nothing to chosing:P