T-5 vs P.C.

[bkvreef]

I presently have p.c. but I have been hearing more and more about T-5
How do these two compare:
24" p.c. 2 X 65 watt (1 10,000k, 1 actinic)
24" T-5 2 X 24 watt (1 10,0000k T-5 HO, 1 460nm)

 

[saltn00b]

if the T-5 is reflected, then you are looking at about 300% more PAR.
(i think) fanker should chime in here any moment.

 

[fanker]

haha ya even if it doesnt have reflectors it still has better par but i would recomend individual reflectors, and pc are a thing of the past

 

[zoie2]

what is par and what does it do for corral?

 

[fanker]

Originally Posted by zoie2
what is par and what does it do for corral?
par is what the corals use to photosynthisis and the higher the better

 

[bkvreef]

Do you know of some good places for deals on these?
Also what about the huge watt differential that I listed?

 

[saltn00b]

reef geek is your best bet

 

[fanker]

ya or ice cap

 

[bawood]

So what I'm hearing is that the t-5 lights are producing more actual light. T-5's have a 6 month life versus about a year for pc, right?
Thanks,
B

 

[saltn00b]

actually from what i have heard, t-5 last 1-2 years.

 

[chipmaker]

T-5 are fine as long as you have the proper reflectors to take advantage of their attributes. If you do not spend the money on reflectors may as well stay with PC or HO florescents.

 

[bawood]

So even without reflector t-5 are superior to pc.
I can expect as much light from 24w as 65w of pc.
They also have the same life as PCs roughly.
The bulbs themselves cost less.
The main cost is the ballasts/reflectors.
Also they are smaller so more could be placed over a tank if desired.
That summarizes it, right?

 

[xrobbx03]

I personally think that t5 give off a better color than pcs. I love my t5 setup. All my corals colors really pop under them.

 

[bkvreef]

Originally Posted by BAWood
So even without reflector t-5 are superior to pc.
I can expect as much light from 24w as 65w of pc.
They also have the same life as PCs roughly.
The bulbs themselves cost less.
The main cost is the ballasts/reflectors.
Also they are smaller so more could be placed over a tank if desired.
That summarizes it, right?
my question now is the same as BAWood can I expect the same affect (on the corals) from a 24x T-5 as I can from a 65w pc??

 

[saltn00b]

yes, you can expect alot more from that comparison. its tough, but try not to get too caught up in wattage. wattage really is a rough measure of water penetration, if anything. That is why if you have a deep tank your only choice for reef really is the big boys of MH.