For 10 gal: Coralife 1x96W or T5 2x24?

Hi All, I'm a newbie here. I have a 3 gal pico tank, and I'm going to be starting up a ten gal and was hoping to get some opinions from experienced reefers on which of these fixtures would be better.

Coralife Aqualight 1x96W 50/50 20" fixture
Coralife Aqualight T5 2x24W 24" fixture

I've read on here that a lot of people seem to think the T5's are better than PC...which fixture would be best for supporting a variety of corals? Also I guess with the T5 24" one concern would be whether or not it would fit a 10 gal, altho the legs are adjustable....has anyone else used this fixture on a 10 before? Thanks so much!

-LadyZosterae

 

T5 high output, hands down. T5 bulbs have been recorded to last up to 2 years, some say longer(but I would never suggest that). They have higher PAR(photosynthetically available radiation) better PUR(photosynthetically usable radiation). Power compacts bulbs last between 6-8 months, and overall their reflectors are very poorly made IMO. T5's all the way, you will not regret it. You will be able to keep just about anything you want.

 

same choice

 

I would pick T-5 all the way too. However, I don't know how it would look having 2 inches of the light hanging over each side of the tank. 10 gallon tanks are typically 20" long

EDIT: BTW, Welcome to 3Reef!!!

 

That is a small sacrifice to pay IMO

 

+1 to this,I actually have coralife pc fixture your asking about,its in my basement collecting dust as I chose to replace it with T-5 rather than spend close to $50 for a new bulb!!

 

t5 for sure

 

Cool! Thanks for all the quick replies! I'll probably go with the T5's then. ;D

-LadyZosterae

 

Hi All, Ok another question. I was looking at this T5 fixture Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 6X18 Watt, 20 inch would that be too much light over a 10 gal? would it bleach everything out?

I also noticed that there are a couple 20" Sunpods on ebay right now...would that be better than the T5's if I can get one? Thanks!

 

Check out the width of your tank and the width of the T5. I think it is too wide for your tank, you would be wasting the light of one bulb. If you acclimate every thing to the light carefully and put them in the proper places (protect lower light needing corals) it would be fine other wise for either unit.