520 watt PC or 300 watt MH?

[rockethippo]

I would prefer the PC, but just making sure what will be better lighting for corals. I know people have posted threads like this before, butI don't think the difference is wattage was as large. The PC's cost less, but will cost the same if I also build a canopy. So 520 watts PC with canopy or 300 watts MH without canopy?

[dorkfish]

MH are way better. Also I would opt. for 250 watt halides as they are not much more expensive (atleast not through JL aquatics) and obviously better.

[rockethippo]

Was thinkng PC would be better cause it is 220 watts mor than MH.

[fsn77]

Watts is only a measure of power consumption, not light output. PC and MH lights convert watts into light at a different rate of efficiency, with MH doing it more efficiently than PC. The initial cost for 520w of PC might be less than 300w of MH, but the 520w of PC is going to consume almost 75% more electricity than 300w of MH, which is something you'll end up paying for over and over again each month. The actual quantity and quality of light created by either will also depend on the type of bulb used.

[drobes]

Yeah, I could argue that T5's setups can be comprable to MH but can't do the same with PC's. With the technology advances in MH and T5's, PC's don't have much going for them anymore. If those are your two choices, go MH.

[rockethippo]

What about VHO against T5's? Or are they the same thing?

[drobes]

VHO and T5's are different. People's opinions may differ but I like T5's better primarily because they have lower energy consumption and utilize parabolic reflectors to create high output lighting in a more efficient way.

[rockethippo]

VHO's use internal reflectors? Light output wise, which one would you prefer 390 watts PC, 440 watts VHO, or 300 watts MH? I kind of decreased the wattage of PC's. MH's cost mos and other two cost about the same.

[drobes]

I'd probably still go MH from that list. If you're looking for a comparable T5 alternative, take a look at this setup:
http://www.reefgeek.com/product/48_inch__Tek_Light:_6-54W_T5_HO_Fixture_(Blue)_with_Bulbs_-_LIMITED_EDITION_by_Sunlight_Supply

Personally, if I was starting a new tank I would really only look at MH and T5 for lighting options and I'd make the decision between the two based on heat tolerance / cooling requirements of my system and cost. A downside of MH is they get very hot and can sometimes force the purchase of an expensive chiller to cool your aquarium. Advantages of MH is they generate shimmer effects (rays that penetrate through the water) because it is a single point of light source. Advantages of T5 are they have great PAR output for low watt consumption and the bulbs last 1-2 years.

[rockethippo]

Do you know the bulb life of a URI VHO 48" bulb if used 10 hours a day?

[Germanman]

would still go with halides...lol i always give that answer huh