T5 vs. PC

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

The costs of T5 are a little lower than that, but point well taken.

And with MH some people like to put VHO actinics with them for color, so that adds some cost.

I might regret going VHO on this little tank, so I will build the hood planning to upgrade to MH in the future.

the costs for the T5's were taken directly off J&L's website.

there is a difference when you use VHO on a MH tank for color, (I do this) I change them out about every two years or when they burn out as they are only to alter the color.

going VHO isn't all a bad thing.. personaly I don't like the color of a VHO lit tank but I do like VHO actinics for MH lit tanks. it all depends on a look. also if you are going with a smaller tank you could very well get away with VHO for a lot of stuff. one thing I would put forth, if you haven't already bought your lights, go VHO for your actinics and PC's for your 10000K. the 10000K of a PC is whiter than VHO, and more intense. I did this at one stage and had several SPS growing under them although I never did get the colors I experenced with MH lighting.

Steve

[TheReefGeek]

Well your ballast cost is high, wont an icecap 660 run 4x28" tubes?
But it doesnt matter, T5 is not cheap obviously.

If I stick with VHO, I might do 4x75w, 3 of them 10k, 1 actinic. THis should be able to keep LPS corals, and maybe SPS on the top.

[DanG]

The T5 retrofit kit that I bought can be found for $115 for the 36" kit with waterproof endcaps, reflectors and 2 bulbs. It's the 39w HO kit.

[TheReefGeek]

Where abouts?

[DanG]

www.saltwaterconnection.com

Jayson (the owner) pops in here from time to time.

[TheReefGeek]

What corals do you keep under those lights?

[DanG]

I've got a tri colour acro, some gsp's, a gbta, a couple of heads of frogspawn and a large fist sized colony of candy cane coral. All are very happy.