FishForums.com - View Single Post

**JustOneMore20** · 03-05-2008, 09:05 PM

If you look at this chart, you'll see that T5 HO is definitely more efficient than power compact when it comes to lumens per watt. They also run cooler, so thats another plus. That's not to say that power compact lighting isn't good and I know you aren't saying that MWNF (atleast I don't think you are). I know you did your research and found that the Tek fixture was the best for you. That is a great fixture and the brand gets alot of praise and if money was no issue, then it would be good for dogsare4losers. I wouldn't say that T5 HO is so much better than PC that its justified to spend that much more money on them.....but that's just my opinion. You can grow plants fine with PCs.

I have not had a T5 HO fixture on my planted tanks yet, but I'm considering one for my 20 long. I am a little more partial to PCs just because that's all I've used. I've read that PC bulbs are just a twisted T5 but the shape of them makes them lose some efficiency.

Usually its just a personal preference as to which people go with (planted tanks and reefs). For a beginner I guess you just have to research (like both of you have) and decide which is best for you.

I am NOT claiming to be an expert at any of this. I've done my research and read and got suggestions from people just like you have over the years.

I linked you earlier in the thread to the Nova Extreme T5 HO fixtures which don't have as good reflectors as the Teks, but they are cheaper (even with having to buy 2 2x54w fixtures). When you multiply it out using the multiplier for the wpg rule (which isn't set in stone as you can see, but is mainly a guide) you get about the same number for 4x54w T5 and 4x65w PC wpg-wise and actually the T5 HO gives you slightly higher wpg. But, whats 0.2wpg gonna do for you?

Basically either way you go, you should have good luck growing plants. And with all 4 bulbs on in either fixture, without any co2, you'll eventually face algae issues, so only keep 2 bulbs on your whole lighting period and have the other 2 on for a midday burst of about 4 hours. When you get co2, you can fire all 4.

03-05-2008, 09:05 PM	#31
JustOneMore20 Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama, US Age: 22 Posts: 3,490	If you look at this chart, you'll see that T5 HO is definitely more efficient than power compact when it comes to lumens per watt. They also run cooler, so thats another plus. That's not to say that power compact lighting isn't good and I know you aren't saying that MWNF (atleast I don't think you are). I know you did your research and found that the Tek fixture was the best for you. That is a great fixture and the brand gets alot of praise and if money was no issue, then it would be good for dogsare4losers. I wouldn't say that T5 HO is so much better than PC that its justified to spend that much more money on them.....but that's just my opinion. You can grow plants fine with PCs. I have not had a T5 HO fixture on my planted tanks yet, but I'm considering one for my 20 long. I am a little more partial to PCs just because that's all I've used. I've read that PC bulbs are just a twisted T5 but the shape of them makes them lose some efficiency. Usually its just a personal preference as to which people go with (planted tanks and reefs). For a beginner I guess you just have to research (like both of you have) and decide which is best for you. I am NOT claiming to be an expert at any of this. I've done my research and read and got suggestions from people just like you have over the years. I linked you earlier in the thread to the Nova Extreme T5 HO fixtures which don't have as good reflectors as the Teks, but they are cheaper (even with having to buy 2 2x54w fixtures). When you multiply it out using the multiplier for the wpg rule (which isn't set in stone as you can see, but is mainly a guide) you get about the same number for 4x54w T5 and 4x65w PC wpg-wise and actually the T5 HO gives you slightly higher wpg. But, whats 0.2wpg gonna do for you? Basically either way you go, you should have good luck growing plants. And with all 4 bulbs on in either fixture, without any co2, you'll eventually face algae issues, so only keep 2 bulbs on your whole lighting period and have the other 2 on for a midday burst of about 4 hours. When you get co2, you can fire all 4. __________________ *Kristin* 5 Planted tanks: 55g, 40g, 29g, 10g, 5.5g 10g N. multifasciatus tank, 5.5g Platy fry Last edited by JustOneMore20; 03-05-2008 at 09:08 PM.