T5 or PC

[garvondavis14]

On the 20 long I'm going to be setting up as a reef, I'm either going to be using PC or T5. I plan on having a mixed reef...so anyway, I was wondering what suggestoins you guys have, as to which setup is better, how much I'd need of either, etc. Thanks guys

[ski1297]

I have 2 96watt PCs on my 38gal and I do a lot of soft corals. I like them a lot. I have seen some T5 at the LFS and they look very nice. What do you want to keep?

[garvondavis14]

Well the tank is going to be in my girlfriend;s classroom, she's a teacher, I was going to start it up this summer before next school year...She likes a lot of softies, and also some of the lower end sps, such as digitata...the thing is I wanted lights that wouldn't completely limit what I put in there, but also wouldn't prevent her from keeping some of her favorites, like mushrooms and such

[ski1297]

PCs or T5s I think would work very good. PCs need new bulbs every 6-8mths. With T5 I think they are good for about a year. Both run cool for the most part. Do you want a all in one light fixture? Do you want to run moon lights to? This is the light I have on my 38gal its the 36". http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113345

[Casey]

T5s.

[ski1297]

I do like my PCs but I would go with T5s.

[Superman]

T5 hands down, much cheaper bulbs, and they have a much longer life span=no brainer.

[garvondavis14]

t5s do sound good, what number of bulbs would you recommend though? Not sure where to go here, don't want to spend a boatload...of course I'll be saving by putting together a retro...would 2x24 with aqualux reflectors be too little? Or would it be better to do something like 3x24 and make my own reflectors? I know t5 are unlike anything else when you think about the wattage, just not sure exactly what would be the best for the tank

[Loverotties]

I love my PC and I know someone who hates his T-5 so it really is personal choice.

[ski1297]

I do not know a lot about t5 but I would go with a all in one like this(link). I am not a DIY guy so all in one works very good and you get a nice clean look. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113175

[BGJ223]

I currently run T5s on my gallon (24 inch long) tank. I run 4 bulbs at 24 watts each. I currently keep softies, LPS and SPS corals. Everything thrives under the T5s compared to the PC lights I had before. I personally think that you should run at the very least 3 bulbs. Maybe 2 day bulbs and 1 actinic.

[garvondavis14]

i'm not too worried about the diy part, i built my halide hood from scratch, and besides a little crookedness on the door, lol, everything is perfect...plus i feel that you can usually get better components this way and still save money...

BGJ223- is ur fixture diy or factory built?

[garvondavis14]

Hey another ?

Would a workhorse 5 run three 24" 24w t5's? on aqualuxlighting.com, it says they can run 4 22.5" 25w or 3 34.5" 39w....so it should work, right?

[Superman]

Personally I would get an Ice Cap Ballast. I know that they are more expensive, but the added lifespan that you will get out of the bulbs, pluse the awesome warranty...it's very worth the price of an Ice Cap ballast.

[garvondavis14]

i thought ice cap ballasts overdrives the bulbs adn shortens the life? Am I thinking the opposite of the truth?

and...would the workhorse work if i don't get an icecap?

thanks guys