Lighting help

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Dsilowka3, Jul 23, 2008.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Dsilowka3

    Dsilowka3 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2008
    Messages:
    165
    Location:
    South Brunswick, NJ
    Hey everyone. ok well ive been doing some research on lighting for my 20 gallon long setup and basically im still not sure...

    the tank is only 12 3/4" tall. would 130w of PC lighting be enough? (i have no idea what corals i may or may not want to keep as of now) or should i not even bother with PC's and just go with T5's? from the research i have done PC's would seem to penetrate pretty much to the bottom of my tank anyway since it is pretty shallow...

    Im trying to be cost effective on this smaller tank (why im even asking about PC's to begin with since from what ive read T5's are a much better light source) as i will eventually convert my 45 gallon to another salt setup and have both tanks run on one system. (i built a DIY stand that has the 45 on top and the 20long built in the stand below)

    any thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance!
     
    Dsilowka3, Jul 23, 2008
    Dsilowka3, Jul 23, 2008
    #1
    1 person likes this.

    2. Click Here!

  2. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2008
    Messages:
    5,736
    Location:
    Wilmington, DE
    I would go with the T5s, IMO they are very cost efficient. Also, because you don't know what type of corals you may want to keep, T5s do not limit you as much as PC lights do. You don't want to end up not getting a coral you really want because of your lighting. Don't skimp on your lighting!
     
    GuitarMan89, Jul 23, 2008
    GuitarMan89, Jul 23, 2008
    #2
  3. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    Messages:
    4,622
    Location:
    Shelton, Washington
    Don't do the PC's. That's what I did. Currently I have two 48" PC's. 4x55W and 4x65W. Thought I had it made. Not even close. For a twenty long, GuitarMan is right. T5s will do you just fine. K+ for asking and not jumping in too fast like I did.
     
    PharmrJohn, Jul 23, 2008
    PharmrJohn, Jul 23, 2008
    #3
  4. nunch

    nunch Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2008
    Messages:
    596
    Location:
    Weston, Florida
    T-5's are the fad right now, but if you got more than 4 watts per gallon w/ PC's, then go w/ that. nothing wrong w/ PC's other than the bulbs don't last as long and they cost more.
     
    nunch, Jul 23, 2008
    nunch, Jul 23, 2008
    #4
  5. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2008
    Messages:
    1,550
    Location:
    Kingston, NY
    If you haven't purchased them yet, I would go with T-5s. Shouldn't be much of a difference in price (you don't need to go hog-wild and buy the most expensive ones), but you'll have more choices as far as bulbs go. And if you ever need that fixture for another tank (say, in an emergency), you'll be glad you have the T-5. Otherwise, just stick with the PCs. PCs will penetrate to the bottom of that tank just fine, but I now like to plan ahead for future possibilities (wasn't always that way, and boy do I regret it).
     
    Reeron, Jul 23, 2008
    Reeron, Jul 23, 2008
    #5