[salt01]

which lighting system puts out more lumens /

Compact Fluorescent Fixture, 4X65 Watt, 48 inch or

T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 4X54 Watt, 48 inch

Please help !!!!!!!!!!

[BLKBRDTA]

Typically, you will get brighter results with a T5HO unit than a PC unit when referring to light output and intensity. There are a few advantages with T5's over PC's as well.. T5's last longer, run cooler, have more bulb (spectrum) options or combinations, and have a slim design when compared to PC's giving T5's more room for light to bounce off reflectors and pass.. Rather than bounce off and be reabsorbed into a somewhat bulky PC bulb.

Here is a group PAR comparison of all three lighting options <6" above water surface (excluding 20k 250w MH HQI)..

- Power Compact - T5 Fluorescent - Metal Halide HQI - 15g DT - 300 PAR goal

* 10k PC lamps - 200w = 64 PAR

* PC Smart Bulb 50/50 24" - 130w = 170 PAR

* 2 x 54w T5HO lamps (10k/460nm) - 108w = 360 PAR

* 20k 150w MH HQI Pendant = 375 PAR

* 20k 250w MH HQI Pendant = 575 PAR

..Of course, these results are not scientifically proven, rather just a quick reference. But you can see for yourself how each options lines up against each other and which would yield the greater lumen readings.. IMO, PC's are great when used as supplementary lighting not primary lighting.. As a T5HO owner, I am completely satisfied with what I can keep under them. If I had a tank 24"+ deep, I would go with a MH HQI.

[SECRETREEF]

you have no idea how usefull this is for me right now!! thank tony

[BLKBRDTA]

Glad it helped Secret, I am still keeping tabs on that sugar dosing thread you have too! Still learning new things as always!

[pogodzib]

The T5HO unit should give you more light, but you need to have good reflectors. A T5HO unit with poor reflectors won't yield much, if any, better results than PC bulbs.

[salt01]

So would a 216 watt t5 unit put out more lumens than a 260 watt pc light because i want to know if i should switch?If so using 10k bulbs and 50/50 actnicts what would be the lumens I would really appreciate it.Thanks

[pogodzib]

It all comes down to the ballast and reflectors. Certain ballasts often used with T5HO bulbs will overdrive the bulbs. No, you wouldn't end up saving any energy, but you'd get more lumens. The other factor that is HUGE with T5HO bulbs are the reflectors. Good units such as Aquatinic or TEK units have high quality, individual reflectors which increase the light output substantially over PC bulbs. This has a lot to do with the shape of a PC bulb not allowing for an efficient reflector light the T5HO bulbs.

[phil47952]

Originally Posted by salt01

which lighting system puts out more lumens /

Compact Fluorescent Fixture, 4X65 Watt, 48 inch or

T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 4X54 Watt, 48 inch

Please help !!!!!!!!!!

It's not close! Get the T5 fixture...

Phil

[jimw369]

PCs suck for a reefer. They burn hot use more watts and need changed more often. IMO use em for fish only.

Good luck