Orbit vs

I know power compacts vs HO T5's have been discussed. But perhaps my question is a bit more specific?

I'm looking at Current's "Orbit" power compact unit and their "Nova Extreme Pro".

They come in 20 inch widths. The orbit is 80w and the nova is 108w.

I suppose the light intensity and spectrum and heat output are very different. But I'm not knowledgeable enough to speculate.

My tank is a 30gallon, 20 inches wide, and 22 inches deep. My corals will be placed at different heights depending on their needs. I have no interest in keeping any corals that need tons of light. I like brain corals and corals that need moderate to low light.

To me, specrum quality is more important than the intensity. I like flourescent for the beautiful colors. I've had beatiful tanks with flourescent and just ok tanks with metal halide. I grow caulerpa in one area of my tanks and it keeps nitrates at zero. Flourescent light grows caulerpa far better -- in my experience -- than metal halide. Flourescent light seems to grow more of the different colors (other than dark purple) of coraline algae than metal halide. But I have no experience on this with power compacts or T5's.

I'm worried about being able to find appropriate 20" T5 HO's (or are they 18"?) if Current should stop offering them for any reason. Don't see them offered anywhere else. I'm not experienced with T5's or with power compacts.

Thoughts, opinions?

 

22" is pretty deep of a tank, Im not sure that pc's will do the job that you want. Maybe you should look into T-5's. Luna

 

I agree, T5s really do offer a lot more than pc lighting. That is a deep tank for pcs and even T5s may be pushing it, although you should be fine with what it sounds like you want to keep. I also wouldnt worry about bulbs, nearly all of the fixtures are fairly common sizes. I've seen those size bulbs in many places. If the spectrum is what your more concerned about, then I would go with T5s. I run UVL bulbs, two actinic white and two super actinics, gives my tank a more lavender color but the corals love it and so do I.

 

I have PCs in a 24 inch deep tank. Eventually, it will spell disaster. OK, that was an overstatement, but it won't be the best I can do. Your tank is a good candidate for T5s. Their effectiveness wanes at around the 21 inch mark. You will probably have 1 inch of sand at the least and 1 inch left from the water line to the top of the tank. So 20 inches tops. That's fine. Look into the Nova Extreme Pro and the Tek. They have individual reflectors. They cost more, but they are worth it. If it does not have lunar lights, do not make that a deal breaker. You can install a row of moon lights very easily yourself. JMO.

 

Thanks everyone. I was starting to lean toward the Nova Extreme Pro T5's but the $300 price tag caused me to pause. Not an easy price to recover from if I make a stupid mistake.

I'm off to get it, and feeling good about it.

Many thanks.

 

If I were you I'd go with an aquactinics or sunlight supply fixture. I think you'd be better off.

 

Well, I'm back. Just finished putting the "nova extrem pro" t5 ho unit on my aquarium, plugged it in, turned it on.

It's great! I can already tell just by looking that the spectrum is what I'd hoped for. The light intensity is perfect for what I wanted -- you all are right, it's the minimum, but very much good enough for what I need. I'm glad I didn't talk myself into the power compacts, if they put out less light, and that you helped me stay on track in that respect.

The fan noise is a bit noticeable. Not bad at all. Not loud. Not an annoying sound, no rattles or anything. Just a gentle wooshing sound. I can live with it. But if Current happens to read this they might want to consider some work in that area.

Construction, design, and the general quality 'feel' are all excellent.

I'm happy!

THANKS everyone!

 

Too late now.

I looked at so much stuff -- so much wasn't available in 20 inches. Do they have 20inch fixtures?

Thanks for responding, regardless, it's appreciated.

 

Oh...and I got six little 1 inch green chromis. I love these fish. Cheapest things on the market, and I love them! They're already chasing bubbles looking for food. They look so good under the actinic spectrum! Guess I'm gonna need to run out and get some food for them early tomorrow. LOL, how could I have forgotten food? I'm so basakward. I could almost do a whole reef tank of green chromis as the only fish in it. Hmmmmm. Maybe?