T5 vs. PC

[StirCrazy]

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