Power compact lighting

**Wild Turkey** · 01-23-2009, 04:32 PM

who uses it? likes/dislikes??
Thanks in advance everyone

**Rue** · 01-23-2009, 04:50 PM

As I freely admit...I'm light-challenged.

But when I started off with the SW tank, I did my research, and came to the conclusion that T5s were the way to go.

A bunch of 'experts' said "No!" that either MH or PC were the way to go and T5s sucked!

LOL...within 2 years, T5s are proving to be the best bet for most tanks.

**Wild Turkey** · 01-23-2009, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Rue

As I freely admit...I'm light-challenged.

But when I started off with the SW tank, I did my research, and came to the conclusion that T5s were the way to go.

A bunch of 'experts' said "No!" that either MH or PC were the way to go and T5s sucked!

LOL...within 2 years, T5s are proving to be the best bet for most tanks.

Yea i use t5 on my 20long right now, i love it. But it seemed like i could get the wattage i would need for my 40 breeder cheaper and more compact by going the other route. I just figured there was some catch i didnt know about...there usually is.

**cocoa_pleco** · 01-23-2009, 06:22 PM

theyre slowly fading out. theyre not the most energy effecient and the PAR isnt the best.

T-5's, halides, and LED's are the new thing now. power compacts are cheap though and you can get them for a good price on ebay

**oldhead** · 01-23-2009, 06:39 PM

I have a fixture that I might be willing to part with, lol. I was thinking about going to t5 for my reef. What are you gonna be using it on?

**Wild Turkey** · 01-23-2009, 06:46 PM

I need some wattage for a 40 breeder im planning. fw of course

**cocoa_pleco** · 01-23-2009, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Wild Turkey

I need some wattage for a 40 breeder im planning. fw of course

i would just get this, 78w of T5 over a 18" tall tank is pretty good

http://cgi.ebay.com/36-T5-HO-Aquariu...QQcmdZViewItem

Ty · 01-23-2009, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by cocoa_pleco

i would just get this, 78w of T5 over a 18" tall tank is pretty good

http://cgi.ebay.com/36-T5-HO-Aquariu...QQcmdZViewItem

yeah, the housing is even "power coated ".....

**Wild Turkey** · 01-23-2009, 06:58 PM

only thing is: after buying two new bulbs, and paying shipping its $80 for that used
but i can get a 96watt power compact with the right bulb for 90 with shipping from big als new. So im wondering, is 78watts of t5 better than 96watts of compact? why/why not?

**cocoa_pleco** · 01-23-2009, 07:00 PM

T5 is better. it runs cooler, more efficent, and better PAR value. better resale value too, power compacts arent very popular anymore. most stores here have them in the sale bin or dont sell them anymore, the reef store by me has the odd old 1-2 PC fixtures kicking around but otherwise its halides, T5's, and LED's