T5 or PC pros and cons ?

[TickTock39]

Interested in starting a soft coral tank. I have an 120 gal. tank. I am trying to decide on the lighting. I will built a canopy so I am interested in retrofits. I am leaning towards T5's or PC's. At the present I am unable to accomodate MH. Heat is a great concern for my current set up. Come on gang let me hear the pros and cons of T5 -vrs- PC. Really would appreciate any info. I have been searching for comparisons between the two with no results. Thanks

 

[ChrisRD]

They'll both get the job done (so will VHO for that matter), but T-5 systems are generally more efficient because the thin tube allows for more efficient reflector design. The bent "u" shape of PCs isn't the most efficient geometry. Theoretically T-5 lamps should last a bit longer and run a bit cooler because they only run at HO levels, so the lamps aren't pushed as hard as VHO and PC setups. One downside to T-5 vs. PC, however, is the greater cost to setup initially.

 

[ChrisRD]

BTW... ...:welcome:

 

[TickTock39]

I have been reading that the T5 bulbs are supposed to last 14-16 mths. is this pretty accurate? Thanks for the info.

 

[ChrisRD]

Sorry, I don't use T-5s, so I couldn't say, but in general, lamp life varies substantially depending on what lamps you use (ie. daylight lamps generally outlast bluer lamps), how many hours a day you run them, what ballasts you use, etc. That time frame sounds believeable for daylight lamps on good electronic ballasts but I'd expect actinics/blues to be less. There are lots of claims for T-5s having long lamp life right now, but my guess is that as they get more and more popular, you'll see more realistic numbers from people that are actually using them vs. manufacturer's claims. When PCs first got popular manufacturer's were claiming they lasted for 16 months too...

 

[TickTock39]

You have been most helpful. Thanks for the info.