Hi i am in the process of transferring my newly aquired "used" 46 gallon SW set up into my 90gallon previously freshwater tank. I have been by the LFS a few times to price out equipment and am i little naive when it comes to lighting. Previously my 90 gallon had 2 x 30 watt 36 inch flourescents, which i thought was lots (lol). Now i understand for a reef tank i need 3 watts per gallon. so i am looking at about 270 watts, The LFS has suggested a "power compact" 36 inch strip that goes for about $400.00. Is that a fair price? are there other better options for around the same amount? Some of the threads i have read here have a negative spin on PC lights? what should i be looking for?
Lighting question
- Thread starter Jme
- Start date
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Devilishturtles
Aquarium Advice Addict
Oh gosh yes, it's over priced. Check out www.captivereefs.com or www.hellolights.com for 36" strips. Power Compact lights are great for low-medium light coral tanks.
afishyonados
Aquarium Advice Freak
I strongly urge you to look into either VHO or T-5 lighting. The power compacts shift spectrum too quickly and may need to be replaced every four to six months (depending on the quality of the ballasts). Before making a decision, look at the lifespan and cost of replacing the lights in question.
afishyonados
Aquarium Advice Freak
Frequency of replacement is too variable...
What quality of ballast is used.
What manufacturer of light tubes.
What spectrum of light the tubes originally produce.
What duration of photoperiod.
What temperature the tubes run at.
All of the aforementioned will affect functional lifespan of light tubes.
T-5's can be wonderful. I enjoy running them with VHO's.
What quality of ballast is used.
What manufacturer of light tubes.
What spectrum of light the tubes originally produce.
What duration of photoperiod.
What temperature the tubes run at.
All of the aforementioned will affect functional lifespan of light tubes.
T-5's can be wonderful. I enjoy running them with VHO's.
). T-5HO is the way to go for all other fluorescents.T5 refers to the bulb diameter (5/8th of an inch). T8 is normal household bulbs, etc.
T5s are very efficient in their ability to radiate light and not lose it inside the bulb, as well as very efficient use of per-bulb reflectors. If you're interested in T5, I'd recommend looking at the IceCap retrofit or the Tek pre-made lights over at reefgeek.com.
T5 bulbs also maintain color and intensity far longer than CF/PC lights (and longer than VHO as they're not driven as hard). The key to T5 is once again the induvidual reflectors per bulb.
Hope this helps.
T5s are very efficient in their ability to radiate light and not lose it inside the bulb, as well as very efficient use of per-bulb reflectors. If you're interested in T5, I'd recommend looking at the IceCap retrofit or the Tek pre-made lights over at reefgeek.com.
T5 bulbs also maintain color and intensity far longer than CF/PC lights (and longer than VHO as they're not driven as hard). The key to T5 is once again the induvidual reflectors per bulb.
Hope this helps.
