Coralife 2x65 vs 4x65

boggs

boggs

AC Members
Oct 28, 2007
186
0
0
1o miles from detroit
Well looking into lighting and wanted to keep it simple and cheap. All i really want is some zoas to brightin things up a bit. I'm going togo with either the coralife PC 2x65 or 4x65. But not real sure which one togo with I want to keep the energy bill down but don't want the tank to be dim. Does anyone got any idea which they think would be a better fit for me.
 
I'd go with 4 because then you can always try higher lighted corals if you decide to go a different route.
 
I would not go less than 4x65 myself. and based on those measurements it is approx 67.3 gallon tank.
 
I agree, I use a 4x65 on my 55 and have a large variety of soft corals. With that said, I am one of the many who wish they went with better lighting so I had a broader selection of corals to choose from. If you just want to add a bit of color, pc lighting will do fine for some basics.
 
The whole lighting dilemma is a bit of a pain. You first decide that since the MH is to expensive that the PC is just fine...then you by the PC and a few months later you are looking to buy the MH upgrade because you now have your eye on some SPS or anem or clams. Have you checked CL to see if there are any combo systems reasonably priced? I was fortunate to get a great deal on a 4 month old Coralife Pro 72" combo retrofit.
 
Not to throw a wrench into your plans... but, have you considered a lower end T5 HO fixture?

If you're going to spend approx. $270 on a Coralife 4x65w PC fixture, why not just get a Nova Extreme 4x54w T5 HO fixture for $200?

I generally find it difficult to recommend the Nova Extreme T5 HO fixtures due to the lack of individual reflectors... But, if you only want zoas and some easy to keep softies that do not require much light, it's kind of hard not to. The Nova Extreme fixture costs less initially, the replacement bulbs cost slightly less than 65w PC bulbs, and there's a vastly larger assortment of T5 HO bulbs to choose from compared to PC bulbs.

While 4x65w PC lights would definitely brighten up your tank, the T5 HO lights would brighten it noticeably more. I went from a 4x65w PC Coralife fixture to T5 HO on our 90g and was amazed how visually brighter the T5 HO lighting is than PC lighting.
 
Almondsaz said:
The whole lighting dilemma is a bit of a pain. You first decide that since the MH is to expensive that the PC is just fine...then you by the PC and a few months later you are looking to buy the MH upgrade because you now have your eye on some SPS or anem or clams. Have you checked CL to see if there are any combo systems reasonably priced? I was fortunate to get a great deal on a 4 month old Coralife Pro 72" combo retrofit.
Click to expand...

Exactly. I built a 4x55w CF setup from AH Supply kits. The hardware is great, but the light level is a little lower than I'd like. Now I'm upgrading the tank and am looking at MH. Even if it means an extra month of saving, I highly recommend going with the good stuff right off - T5HO with individual reflectors or MH, because sooner or later you're going to want to upgrade anway.
 
What is safer to run PC, T5 or MH. I have heard of t5 fixtures and MH catching fire. Is this true or am I just hearing urban legends.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom