Normal output vs. power compact

[-~shawn~-]

I was just wondering what the difference would be between 65w normal output florescent and 65w pc??

 

[Anonymous]

I was just wondering what the difference would be between 65w normal output florescent and 65w pc??

Here's a really good article on the different types of lighting by Anthony Calfo. If you're not familiar with his books, you should look into his writings.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marcanopies.htm

and to answer your question:

Advancements in fluorescent lighting technologies in recent years have flooded the market with numerous choices of bulb types. Standard output (SO) fluorescents are essentially the earliest and most popular types of lamp used on modern marine aquaria for their common availability and because they are fairly inexpensive. SO lamps are efficient to operate and are available in a wide array of colors. Unfortunately, they have a very short useful lifespan for photosynthetic organisms at 6-10 months for most. Standard output fluorescents may be fine for very shallow water applications and low-light biotopes, but are too weak to be useful for many aquariums. More intense fluorescent bulbs of several different types are more effective and attractive in aquariums up to 24” (60 cm) deep. Very High Output (VHO) and Power Compact (PC) technologies have become tried and true strategies combining good color and energy efficiency. Lifespan for these more expensive bulbs is not especially envious, though, being quite similar to SO lamps. Nonetheless, they are some of the best and most practical forms of lighting for marine aquariums. A new technology on the market, T5 fluorescents, has shown even greater promise for efficacy and quality.

 

[Len]

Generally speaking, the thinner the bulb diameter on a fluorsecent bulb, the more efficient it will be. So for the same wattage, a T5 (5/8" diameter ... T5 lighting is obviously this, and PC lighting is basically two T5 tubes bridged together) will produce more light then a T12 (1 1/2" diameter, which is what most normal output bulbs are).