Which Power Compact

[joe carey]

I am in the market for a power compact so I can keep an Anenome or two. I am leaning toward the Custom Sealife 4X65 with Moonlights. My question is for anyone that has this light. How loud are the fans? My tank is in my living room and I want to keep the noise at a minimum. My second option is a Coral Life 4X65. I've heard them run at my LFS and they don't seem to be too bad. Thanks!

 

[007]

IMO . . . . skip the compacts and go with VHO. Higher wattage, and they cost less, the bulbs last longer, are cheaper, and the coloration is much better.
I think that PC's are a good idea in theory but when it all boils down to it they will fall to the wayside.

 

[jedininja]

I have to respectfully disagree. The coloration on PCs is close to the same as long as you get true actinic and not 7100 blue bulbs. PCs are more intense and are said to penetrate deeper.
Each have thier advantages, so its really up to you. The only sure thing is MH is best if you can afford it and control the heat. Of the two systems you have, they should both be fine. Just make sure that you get the true actinic bulbs. They make all the difference.

 

[sjdyer]

I have the Custom Sealife 4x65w pc with moonlights. I like the light. I have this on my 75 gal tank in my living room and I can not hear the fan run unless you walk up to it. I love to watch my corals and inverts under the moonlights.

 

[midwest reefer]

i have the same light in my room... sound doesnt bother me a bit

 

[gatorcsm]

I agree, i've heard nothing but good things about those PC hoods.

 

[saltywhit67]

do they light the tank well even though they are set up on stilts?

 

[joe carey]

I ordered the Custom Sealife a few days ago and it will be here Monday. Thanks to everyone for the input. I'm already looking for true actinic bulbs.