watt for watt

[KookyNewky]

I have run into a situation were I can get 2 2x96 watt PC setups for a little less than 200$ (a total of 384w) or I can get a mixed hood with 2x96 PC and 1x150 MH for just under 375$ (a total of 342). What is the difference between PC watts and MH watts? I know that everyone swears by MH but do not understand why it would make something with less wattage cost more.

 

[Len]

People who use MH usually like it better because it yields better results. Most people move from fluorescent (VHO, PC, or otherwise) to MH and don't look back. I think this is a testament to MH performing better. In terms of efficiency, fluorscents have halides beat. However, corals simply seem to grow better/faster and develop more pigmentation shades under MH IME. MH also has more pentrating power, so if you have a deeper tank or intend to place light-demanding corals lower down in the tank, MH would be my recommendation.

Given the choice, I would pick a 250W MH over the 150W. They shouldn't cost much more.

 

[KookyNewky]

Thanks Len.
I was not aware that MH would be more penetrating on a deeper tank than PC.

 

[Len]

If you look at PC or T5-lit tanks, you'll see a trend with coral placement. All the light-demanding corals (like SPS corals) will be in the top half to top 1/3rd. With the stronger halides, you will see coral placement from top to bottom.