Originally posted by Barracuda
Hey Mr. Angelfish,
i'm just curious, why T5's? You, guys have NO, VHO, PC's and MH's. Such a nice choice. We have MH (very expensive
), NO fluoriscents and T5's. I personally have chosen T5. I like this lighting system, but i would go with MH if i had money.
Main reason is "operation cost".
I plan to have a few tanks than just a 55 gallon and I want to be able to afford to keep up with all of few tanks by keeping operation cost to a minium. I plan to have MH's on just one tank with certain inhabiatans that requires high intense light. Other inhabiants don't need that high intense would be with T-5 or NO/PC.
I think VHO is a waste of money due to costly replacement, if T-5 outperform VHO so why do I need to waste money with VHO? Especially with replacing bulbs. T-5 last 18-24 months and lumen outperform VHO and VHO last 6-12 mos. Which one would you go for? In the additional T-5 electric cost would be half less than VHO and that is an add savings! I can enjoy having such as "2-4 footer" tanks at about the same operation cost over just one with inefficient operation cost.
This would result into enjoyable with the hobby.
PC- I do not have anything against with PC and I think T-5 outperform PC and replacement cost is far cheap than PC. There is a lot of pro and cons with blue lights. Also there is more...... Depending on brands you buying PC some looks like classic-look another look like cheap and result varies with pro and cons. I do not want to gamble with PC ballasts, their fixtures, and etc. (ie: jbj, etc....) Again T-5 outperform PC and is cheap to operate, which one would you chose? Otherwise I would go for PC on certain size of tanks (ie: 29G etc) within an exceptation I would go for such as AGA or Aquarium manufacturer's brand to avoid regret for buying "fancy" light fixtures.
As example mentioned above was considered while I investigate for lighting. Thank lord someone bought up T-5 and delayed my plan until it become available in this states. Otherwise I'd hate to waste money to start all over.....
Hope this clarify up your question.
