Pc's or t-5

dreiling, how are pc's cheaper than t5s?

They cost the same or more than t5s, last less than half as long, use more wattage and in doing that cost more to run, and add more heat. Then the pc's don't make much light compared to a proper t5 setup, and add in the horrible and limited color options for bulbs that pc have and you end up a negative in very way versus t5. The only way a PC can trump t5 is for very short tanks. 18" t5s are made, but hard to find, and anything shorter is not made.

 

So if I changed it up and added T-5's with 36" bulbs how many would I need and wattage would you recommend?? Don't forget I still plan on using the metal halide 175 watt with 20K bulb. I can probrably fit four bulbs two in front of the halide and two behind. I have a retro reflector that houses both so I would not need the reflectors. Also which brand would you recommend?? Sorry so many questions. Thanks

 

T5 t5 t5

 

lighting

If you've already got the fixture with the m/h and the p/c s as actinics, I'd say just stay with what you've got. Your tank is small enough that p/cs or t5s really won't make too much difference. Heck, if you're going to use a 20k 175 watt mh bulb, you probably don't even need the supplementary fluorescents. T5s will only save you money if you run the whole lighting system with T5s. For just a couple of bulbs, you won't be using that much more electricity than a couple of t5s.
Now, if you really want to go all out with t5s, get one of the new Tek fixtures with the built in fans, or an ATI powermodule.
Your choice, use what you got = Free
or spend a grand and get a nice t5 setup.

 

I am a believer in the T-5's now just got our new fixture and wow, tons of output and very vibrant.

My fixture was 340 shipped. 8 bulb 24" 24 watt T-5 with moonlights and mounting legs.