Power Compact versus T4

[nemo]

To all:

I currently have a 30' Orbit PC lamp for my tank (which I have pics in my personal gallery). Do T4 lamps have stronger output? I was thinking of getting this lamp. Thanks all

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&N=2004+113175

 

[MO~IDOL]

this is a good light for softies and lps and some sps
I've compare the light to PC & VHO & MH
4x54w(white) close to 250w MH....MH has more deep & clear color
2x54w brighter than 2x65w PC
2x54w URI same as 2x110w VHO super antinic

 

[scarf_ace1981]

t5s are certainly better than pc but then again one of the reps @ marinedepot told me they were practically the same.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

With the t5's while I was doing research on them and the MH's Russ (Masterswimmer) clued me in on this little tidbit. T5's need to have good reflectors for each bulb. I think the key phrase was "Individual Parabolic Reflectors" if you use the ice cap reflectors for instance you will get better results than using the stock reflectors that come with that fixture.

 

[jhale]

Jon I think that rep was wrong.
they are nothing like each other imo.

T-5's vs PC, less heat, more Par, last longer.
I hate pc's and would never use them again.

 

[MO~IDOL]

I'm with you Jhale...no PC
I've great grow with T5 (8hrs day light and 10hrs antinic. zoo from 3polyps to 30 polyps) within 6months

 

[jtbone68]

You got me thinking I was going to up grade my tank from a 65 gallon to a 90 Gallon I was going to get 4x96 watt pc fixture or should I go with the t5's 8x54 watt
(all I have in my tank are softies)

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would go with the T5 or a MH setup on a 90. It's a deep tank.

 

[MO~IDOL]

I would go with the T5 or a MH setup on a 90. It's a deep tank.

go with T5...save electricity and T5 has more bulbs choice

 

[scarf_ace1981]

Jon I think that rep was wrong.
they are nothing like each other imo.

T-5's vs PC, less heat, more Par, last longer.
I hate pc's and would never use them again.

yup. he sure was. he was trying to get me to buy some MH that i was asking about. i guess that's why he wanted me to think of t5s as pcs

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Scarf, from what I understand without individual reflectors they are a little bit better than PC's but with them they are much better. I read alot here and on RS about them and that was what I concluded from my research. I could be very wrong on this tho.

 

[ming]

I believe the Nova fixture has only 1 large reflector. Individual reflectors will give the T5's a lot more light directed to the tank. IMO, instead of that fixture, might as well get 2 bulbs with individual reflectors and save on your electric bill

 

[heuerfan]

Scarf, from what I understand without individual reflectors they are a little bit better than PC's but with them they are much better. I read alot here and on RS about them and that was what I concluded from my research. I could be very wrong on this tho.

I agree with Chief, from what i've read T5's really need the individual reflectors to do damage. Otherwise they are a little bit better than PC's.

Whats wrong with PC's?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I liked my PC's but now with the MH's I really like the MH's, the shimmer is awesome :biggrin:

 

[heuerfan]

I liked my PC's but now with the MH's I really like the MH's, the shimmer is awesome :biggrin:

With the fixture NEMO has he could add one 150 watt DE bulb right in the middle!

 

[grisha]

well , im seriosly considering getting a tek 6 bulb fixture for my future 40 gallon frag tank. but now icecap have reflectors which is some say even better. it is retro only , more expencieve , but it is ICECAP

 

[rfc]

I also have the 30 inch PC orbit lamp and retro fittled another 65w PC bulb giving me 195W over my 29G. I purchased the 65w retrofit kit when it was on sale at Marine depot for 30 dollars. I guess Im a cheapskate looking to delay the costs of upgrading to MH .

Note: After upgrading to 195W my corals had an increase in color depth and growth rate.

 

[DonCisco]

I should change my name to Nanoextreme. I recently got an MH pendant a few weeks ago, and it is amazing to see the difference that it makes, most corals are clearly growing... including a pair of SPS. The T-5, definitely need the individual reflectors, in order to do any good.

 

[masterswimmer]

With the t5's while I was doing research on them and the MH's Russ (Masterswimmer) clued me in on this little tidbit. T5's need to have good reflectors for each bulb. I think the key phrase was "Individual Parabolic Reflectors" if you use the ice cap reflectors for instance you will get better results than using the stock reflectors that come with that fixture.

I couldn't have said it better myself

swimmer

 

[nemo]

Thanks for your advice on the light options. I am getting really hooked on this hobby, and plan to start a second reef tank in my basement. I am going to make this really nice. I am poting some updated pic from the last fall frag swap