Can anyone out there explain why 312 watts of T5 lighting(8@39 watts each) is better than 576 watts of power compact(6@96 watts each)
Both with reflectors and cooling fans.
Both with reflectors and cooling fans.
PC Verses T5
- Thread starter zigis
- Start date
I believe its the restrike of the PC's and the reflectors. What makes T-5's so good are the qaulity individual reflectors and the ability to cool the bulbs. The PC's have 1 reflector for 2 bulbs and that doesnt direct as much of the light down as 1 reflector for 1 bulb and the heat because 2 bulbs tight together will get hotter than 1.
T5s are in a different league completely in terms of efficiency compared to PCs. As an example we had a system of SW tanks lit by a 4x 55W PC fixture for each tank. When we replaced lights on half of the tanks with a 2x 54W T5HO fixture the tanks were slightly brighter than the ones with the PCs and system temp dropped from 81 to 79. Throw in the increased bulb life and the lower cost of replacing each bulb and it really isn't a tough decision. I'm not an engineer and can't give you the technical reasons for the increased efficiency, but it's definitely considerable. PCs are obsolete technology that is going the way of the T12 VHO. To buy a new PC fixture today makes no sense at all.
Can you let us know what size tank you are going to be lighting and if you will be running CO2. I have a 4 foot 120 that is low tech and I have 4 54 watt T-5 HO's and its a little bit high for a low tech tank IMO but mine is a retro with quality reflectors and quality bulbs.
I am working on setting up a 180 gallon 6ft tank with presserized C02. I was looking at a 8 x 39 watt T5 setup online,but I have the power compacts(they need bulbs) I would like to figure out if it is worth replacing 6 power compact bulbs or selling the fixture and going for the T5 setup. I also ran power compacts on a 120 reef and yes they were hot but I have them.
I would say that within a couple years it will pay for itself in bulb replacements and electric use. Will you be useing fixtures or will you be building a canopy??
I have built a canopy/ stand I will try to post some pics. Thanks for the insight this is the biggest project I have taken on and want to do it right the first time. I feel like sometimes pet stores tell you how great something is because its new and they need to keep selling. Even some people jump on the wagon thinking because its new it must be better.
I'm dealing with the same issue but if you already have the fixture I've seen some sites where people just rewire t5 sockets to the ballast and it works,or you can just buy new t5 ballasts to replace the PC ballast instead of buying a whole new fixture.
I have been using several 55 watt PCs for several years. They work well, but if I were to get a new set-up I would go T5 HO. I have herd that the T5 are twice as bright but I dont believe it. Some stores told me if I replace my 4 x 55 watt PC i would only need 2 54watt T5s. From looking at the T5s noway would 2 replace the 4 PCs, but maybe three would. That said not all PC setups are equal, its not fair to compare a cheepie unit to a AH supply setup with quality reflectors and ballasts. So, IMO go for a quality T5 ho setup, dont spend the $200 for bulbs. Like mentioned T5 bulbs cost less, last longer, and you can cut your wattage down some and save some on electricity.