PC Upgrade to T5 .. WHA?!

balakoth · 04-26-2007, 01:06 PM

So I keep seeing all these "UPgrading to T50 from PC". I dont understand the concept, but ill bite. Ive used PCs since I started reefing, the price was more managable for me, and I didnt seem to have an issue with the 03 actinics.

Everyone keeps telling me to "upgrade" but what exactly am I upgrading? The money I spent? I currently own 2 96 watt ballasts for PCs no bulbs, and to get equivilent wattage from a t5 setup, I am looking at about 440 bucks (4x54)

Other than look, is there really a need to switching lighting types?

YLChik · 04-26-2007, 01:28 PM

the wattage may be equal, but the par is more esp with individual reflectors on teh t5's so you are gettin gmore light to your tank for teh same wattage - or even less and the t5's last ALOT longer than pc bulbs. If I am correct pc's should be swithced every 6- 9 months and t5's can last around 18 months....

hope that helps adn someone more experienced will chime in

YLChik · 04-26-2007, 01:29 PM

oh and as far as need it depends on what animals you wannt to keep in the tank

balakoth · 04-26-2007, 01:35 PM

Looking for a few sps, some lps, maybe a clam ect. Not pretty dominant in either end, just a nice mix of what i can find tha will accept my lighting and flow rates.

Loverotties · 04-26-2007, 02:50 PM

Depends on the type of coral and clams you mite want!

Casey · 04-26-2007, 03:02 PM

The t5s are awesome I just installed them and love them way better than pcs the T5s run super cool and are real bright and cheaper on my power bill my clams love them

YLChik · 04-26-2007, 03:45 PM

um i don't mean to be dense, but do you mean as your actnic light in addition TO your Metal Halides...

I am talking about pc only to T5 only - so is casey...

soooo do you mean as additional blue light or instead of MH.....
I just read your sig

an aside you can spend less than than the 440 bucks....

reefgeek.com sells a 4 *54 retro fit set for 300.00 plus shipping

balakoth · 04-26-2007, 04:30 PM

The Current 96 W PCs would be added to the MH setup I am purchasing.. So its not JUST PCs, but PC 03s and the MHs for a Rough 700 watt total over a 90 Gallon tank.

richie822 · 05-17-2007, 05:46 AM

i am a little confused about pcs and tf's as well....i am lanning to set up a 30 gallon fish only tank. i have had pcs since i began the hobby as well. I hear all this talk about T5's is the color of the lighting and the way iot looks alot better than pcs? i plan on maybe turning it into a reef later on but will will lets say 4x39=be too much light for a 30 gallon fish only tank, will it scare the fish...also, is a 120 watt pc fixture give off the same amount of light as a T5-120 watt?

Casey · 05-17-2007, 06:31 AM

Richie the T5s put out more par,I cant see any difference in color with my eyes but my corals must cause they love the T5s over my pc,s.I will never do pc,s again there is no reason too the T5s are bright look good and run nice and cool not much heat at all and they lower my power bill more than pc,s.
HTHS