Quote:
|
Originally Posted by TheReefGeek
Steve, do you think VHO or PCs could maintain the tank that Ruth linked to on RC?
|
well judging from that page he is running all HO T'5s so it is hard to say. Most of the T5s we see are just NO versions and yes a VHO or PC would do a better job.
as for his tank, this is one problem I have with internet and posting pics.. is the picture an exact representation of the tank or is the saturation bumped up a little and the colors enhanced. Or is he rather well off and can hand select premium corals. what are his nutrients his Alk, ect.. I had found that when my Alk was at 13 my digitata went from real nice color to stunning color so there is a lot more than lighting that affects color.
One advantage of the T5's is the physical amount you can pack under a hood but this is also a disadvantage once a year when you have to replace them
it would be far cheaper to go with MH and also get a lot more intensity.
I have tried almost every lighting combination in the last 4 years and I could have saved about 5 or 7K by going to MH right away. Its a good thing T5's weren't around then or I probably would have waisted money on that set up also
If you look at the cost for a T5 set up (about 500.00 in Victoria for a 4 bulb NO t5 setup) and look at a dual 250 watt HQI setup running SE bulbs they are about the same. I would only guess at the price of a true HO T5 set up here as I haven't seen one, but I would estimate about 6 to 700.00 in Victoria. I can run to J&L and get everything I need for the HQI set up for say .. hmm 300 for the dual ballast, 100 for reflector with dual socket assembly's, and say 160 for two bulbs.
a T5Ho set up is (say a 8 tube 48" set up) 33 bucks per tube 264.00, 16.00 per endcap and stand off so 128 if they come in pairs, 141 each for 4 ballast to run an 8 bulb setup so 564.00, and then reflectors say 100.00ish
so in the end the MH which will give you a lot more intensity costs about 560.00 where initial set up of the T5 costs 1056.00
the big thing is on going costs, 160ish a year for MH replacement and going from the recommended 9 month life for T5's you are looking at 352.00 per year based on 9 month change out or 264/year if you run them for 12 months.
is it going to save you any money on your power bill? if the 4 foot ts'5 are 55 watt then you are talking about 60 watts +or- less ..... nothing to worry about in my opinion as it will never off set the difference in bulb price or even come close.
Steve