Replace T-5 or Buy PC?

akaatomic · 05-08-2006, 01:57 PM

I have been running Nova Extreme T-5 fixture. My actinic ballast died yesterday. My question is: Should I get a replacement T-5 or go with a PC fixture? MH are not a consideration right now and my tank is FOWLR, but I plan to add some softies/rics/shrooms/etc... at some point. The big debate is the Nova Extreme T-5 fixture (4x54w) vs. Coralife Compact Fluorescent fixture (4x65w). Anyone have experience with either fixture? Hypothetically, if someone was going to give you one for free, which would you take?

theplatypus · 05-08-2006, 02:06 PM

The t-5's without a doubt. But I would replace the reflectors on the fixture.

motorslave · 05-08-2006, 02:25 PM

I would scrap both and go with VHO idf the tank is 48" or more.

Robert

Nyles · 05-08-2006, 02:43 PM

replacing the ballast would be next to nothing if you went with a workhorse of proper size.
If you where to get a new unit I would take t-5 over PC due to the avalibility to do higher watt lighting for specimens liking more light if you go with at least 4 watt per gallon on t-5 with a GOOD reflector you can do almost anything if you use the right bulb. The key is a good reflector. If you just want fish only, I would go PC.

Twitterbait · 05-08-2006, 03:31 PM

T5 is cheaper and last longer than PC. look for a workhorse ballast. they work great and are nice and cheap.

Waynesworld · 05-08-2006, 03:44 PM

just go to reefgeek.com purchase the ice cap 660 retro kits (t5) for about $360. the ice cap overdrives the 54 bulb to about 80-85 watts and the relfectors reflect 95%. Your tank will rock. Just make sure you have a fan blowing across the bulbs.

wharyat · 05-08-2006, 04:50 PM

A replacement ballast would prolly be the best route to go.

Casey · 05-08-2006, 04:54 PM

Replace the ballast.

akaatomic · 05-09-2006, 09:11 AM

My T-5 fixture is less than a month old, so I'll either get it replaced or get store credit and use that towards a PC setup. I think that I'm going to try out the PC lights and see which ones I like better. Understanding that PC bulbs need replacement more frequently, are there differences in what can be raised in my tank? I'm looking for polyps, rics, anenomes and maybe some acro on the top shelf. Otherwise, my tank will mostly be inverts and invert friendly fish. Has anyone had success keeping any of these healthy with PC or T-5? Has anyone switched between the two and found one to be better lighting? Most of the lighting posts that I've sifted through end up with the same "buy metal halides" answer.

robsmith32 · 05-09-2006, 08:25 PM

if you're not going halide.. i wouldnt' downgrade from t5 to pc.
Stick to the T5, pc is more wattage used and heatproduced for less light, and don't last as long.

akaatomic · 05-10-2006, 09:06 AM

Here's my thinking. The T-5 fixture that I have produces 216w. The PC fixture that I'm looking at produces 260w. I have a 90g tank that's 24" deep. I have a better chance with anything photosynthetic by using PC because the extra wattage would penetrate further than the T-5. I understand that I can buy new ballasts for my T-5's or probably do the same for PC (right?), but I'm talking about a standard store bought fixtures at this point. Later on I can always add MH pendants or upgrade ballasts to increase my output. I don't mind replacing bulbs more often or using a little extra juice if it's going to mean extra benefit for my tank. The only other comparison is whether or not T-5 and PC produce different spectrums of light and I'd imaging that's all about the bulbs.

theplatypus · 05-10-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akaatomic

Here's my thinking. The T-5 fixture that I have produces 216w. The PC fixture that I'm looking at produces 260w. I have a 90g tank that's 24" deep. I have a better chance with anything photosynthetic by using PC because the extra wattage would penetrate further than the T-5. I understand that I can buy new ballasts for my T-5's or probably do the same for PC (right?), but I'm talking about a standard store bought fixtures at this point. Later on I can always add MH pendants or upgrade ballasts to increase my output. I don't mind replacing bulbs more often or using a little extra juice if it's going to mean extra benefit for my tank. The only other comparison is whether or not T-5 and PC produce different spectrums of light and I'd imaging that's all about the bulbs.

You're a little off base here. The t5 fixtures with individual parabolic reflectors are vastly superior to pc's. I beleive you have a nova extreme fixture, which uses a single reflector in effect wasting a fair amount of light. You can do as others have said and get a ballast to overdrive the bulbs, but without the individual parabolic reflectors you're just wasting money.

/edit You can pick up 4 reflectors for $80 or a new ballast for $169 at reefgeek.com.

Twitterbait · 05-10-2006, 02:43 PM

Or just go with MH instead. A dual 175 setup would allow you to do exactly what you want and allow the acros in the top shelf. plus they are not too expensive in the end... especially when you only need to replace the bulb once a year.

akaatomic · 05-12-2006, 08:28 AM

Well I decided to try out the PC lights and follow the higher wattage theory. They've only been on for one night. There isn't a huge difference in brightness (although I noticed it) and the coloration on my LR stands out much more (must be the bulbs). All in all happy so far.