Difference between PC's and T-5's?

[bizzmoneyb]

Im still learning about this whole lighting thing.. but what exactly makes T-5's superior to PC's? Im saying wattage for wattage here.
What would make a 250 watt T5 setup superior to a 250 watt PC setup? I dont understand why? Thanks!

 

[jerryatrick]

You will more than likely get a fair amount of responses on this topic. PC bulbs have to be replaced more often and are more expensive. Less wattage of T5 will still out perform PC.
Even though T5 is more expensive, you will save more money in the long run and you won't have to worry about upgrading your lighting assuming that you purchase a T5 fixture that has individual reflectors.

 

[aztec reef]

Difference between PC's and T-5's?
Diameter..
Difference between pcs and High output (HO) Or NO t5's??
Diameter + T5 bulbs have lower power consumption and less heat output oppossed to a PC bulb has higher light output but can run hotter and consume more power.
In flourescents, the smaller the diameter the more efficient the wattage.
HO/NO t5's are a compact more efficient version of pcs..
NO t5's= normal output HO t5's = High output..
Difference between NO and HO t5's: wattage

 

[bizzmoneyb]

Ok I understand about power consumption, size and what not but I mean what is the difference in tank performance? I've been reading these threads saying you cant keep certain corals with PC's but can with T-5's, or that you can with PC's but must keep them at a higher tank level. So if its the same wattage why must some corals be closer to PC's than T-5's?

 

[glibgoat]

I think the tal term is "Lumens" or something like that. The difference is the brightness of the bulb that in turn creates more light in your water, more food for your corals... and so on.

 

[perfectdark]

https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/331505/difference-between-pcs-and-t-5s