Power compact's vs T5's

[swfishfan]

I have had my 60 gallon tank for over a year now, up and running and has even done a home change now and still running good. Recently, i have been offered some T5's for free and well i am trying to figure out if its worth the time to change out my 54w power compacts out for the 54w t5's? so if everyone can let there opinion's or reviews known about these two types of lights it will be greatly appreciated...

 

[jpc763]

Yes. It is worth it. T5's are better.

 

[lsu]

T-5 lighting is much better in my opinion
Jordan

 

[scubaguy]

T5 run cooler and save you more money running them. IMO Plus the lighting is better

 

[deltablack22]

Originally Posted by ScubaGuy
T5 run cooler and save you more money running them. IMO Plus the lighting is better

I agree 100% so far with the posts. I'll expand on this one slightly. They typically will save you money due to lower wattage and your replacement time is nearly tripple that of a PC bulb.
I personally own a Current PC and a Current T5 light fixture. They are identical except for the bulbs. I am more impressed with the look of the T5's and the coral growth.

 

[rudedog40]

Naw. T5's are junk. But since I don't even have PC's, tell your bud I'll sacrifice and take them off his hands.

 

[fishycpa]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, so please forgive me

, but what is the difference between VHO's, T5's, and MH's. I know what MH's are, but I am confused as to the comparison between the three. Thanks.

 

[swfishfan]

so i am getting the feeling that i should just get the T5's since they are free anyways and they are alot better, but i kind of thought they were lower quality since the bulb looks like a fluroscent bulb with the exception that there smaller

 

[reefkprz]

they put out a more intense light (higher par value) than powercompacts, they also are more light efficient the bulb shape allows for almos 80% of the light to be reflected into the tank with a good reflector, PCs shape only allows for about 60% there is no efficient reflector design for PCs. Pcs consume more electricity, and run hotter. the bulbs in PC also burn out faster. for the same wattage bulb you will have more usuable light less electricity used per par of light generated. and a longer lasting bulb. t-5

 

[swfishfan]

wow!! i guess so far T5's are sweeping Pc's by far, i see the reasons why also, so i guess my Pc's are going to be gone pretty soon

 

[rcoultas]

Originally Posted by reefkprZ
they put out a more intense light (higher par value) than powercompacts, they also are more light efficient the bulb shape allows for almos 80% of the light to be reflected into the tank with a good reflector, PCs shape only allows for about 60% there is no efficient reflector design for PCs. Pcs consume more electricity, and run hotter. the bulbs in PC also burn out faster. for the same wattage bulb you will have more usuable light less electricity used per par of light generated. and a longer lasting bulb. t-5

I'll add that the t5's also have what is known as a higher lumen maintenance - which means that over the life of the lamp the intensity (lumen output) is maintained at a much higher level.

 

[swfishfan]

thanks to all who have posted, you guy's convinced me,and as of today t5s are up