T5 vs. PC

[TheReefGeek]

I have decided to blast this tank with a 400w XM 20K MH, I had the ballast lieing around so it was cheaper this way, just needed a reflector and bulb.

Thanks for all the great T5 info though, I will definately have to consider it for future tanks.

[StirCrazy]

actually PC's are a T4 not a T5 and are inherently more intense than T5's if you compare apples to apples. if you want to compare the two you cannot use a HO T5 as it is a higher current using bulb. at any rate I have seen a couple T5 tanks and after all the hype I was not impressed with the T5's... they did nothing that VHO or PC couldn't do.

Steve

[danny zubot]

Well there you have it, thanks Steve.

My beef with any florescent light is that you can achieve the light shimmering effect inside tank that MH gives you.

[TheReefGeek]

Steve, do you think VHO or PCs could maintain the tank that Ruth linked to on RC?

[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

[TheReefGeek]

The costs of T5 are a little lower than that, but point well taken.

And with MH some people like to put VHO actinics with them for color, so that adds some cost.

I might regret going VHO on this little tank, so I will build the hood planning to upgrade to MH in the future.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

The costs of T5 are a little lower than that, but point well taken.

And with MH some people like to put VHO actinics with them for color, so that adds some cost.

I might regret going VHO on this little tank, so I will build the hood planning to upgrade to MH in the future.

the costs for the T5's were taken directly off J&L's website.

there is a difference when you use VHO on a MH tank for color, (I do this) I change them out about every two years or when they burn out as they are only to alter the color.

going VHO isn't all a bad thing.. personaly I don't like the color of a VHO lit tank but I do like VHO actinics for MH lit tanks. it all depends on a look. also if you are going with a smaller tank you could very well get away with VHO for a lot of stuff. one thing I would put forth, if you haven't already bought your lights, go VHO for your actinics and PC's for your 10000K. the 10000K of a PC is whiter than VHO, and more intense. I did this at one stage and had several SPS growing under them although I never did get the colors I experenced with MH lighting.

Steve

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

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.

My set was $500 for 4x 54w HO T5s.
But I do see your point on the cost breakdown.I found my T5s much better than my 175MH,But maybe thats because they are HO,and the 175 dosn't have a very good reflector.My next tank I plan on useing 150 MH(Shallow tank).All the lights have their uses,so I dont feel Ive wasted money on any of my fixtures.Just need to stay within their limits.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Quagmire

My set was $500 for 4x 54w HO T5s.

which is almost exactly 1/2 of the 8 bulb set up I used in my comparason.

Also I should note the cost comparsion I did was for buying all the parts and putting it in your self.

Dang your 39 watt kit you quote is for two bulbs but are they both 39 watt bulbs or two 20 watt bulbs? but for clarity I was quoting a 55 watt bulbs also.

Steve

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Quagmire

I found my T5s much better than my 175MH,But maybe thats because they are HO,and the 175 dosn't have a very good reflector.

I found a 100 watt light bulb better than my 175

but realy though I got almost as high of a par reading from my 36" PC's as I did from my 175. I personaly wouldn't recomend a 175 for anything.

Steve