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RE: pc vs. metal halide

argi — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:06:34 GMT

acee529 (5/17/2008)

Im confused because pc have more watts per gallon than T5's so will they be better for anenomes and other corals? They deffinetly are more efficient than pc's and run cooler but is that the only reason they are better than pc's?Thanks !!!

While PC have a higher wattage, T5's will have a higher PAR (intensity). So basically with T5's you get less wattage (which generally means runs cooler and cheaper on the electric bill) with a brighter light. The watts per gallon rule really needs to be thrown out when talking about lighting simply because there are so many other variables to consider.

T5's really are the way to go IMO, PC are slowly becoming less and less popular.

HTH,

RE: pc vs. metal halide

acee529 — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:18:12 GMT

Cool!! I will look into one. Thanks Mr. Pro!!

RE: pc vs. metal halide

Steven Pro — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:18:25 GMT

I would encourage you to get a captive propagated (clone) bubble tip anemone, either a rose or a green. It would be fine under T-5's.

RE: pc vs. metal halide

acee529 — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:50:42 GMT

Ok now i am leaning towards T5 lighting because of the other forums that suggest them over pc but will they support anenomes ? Im confused because pc have more watts per gallon than T5's so will they be better for anenomes and other corals? They deffinetly are more efficient than pc's and run cooler but is that the only reason they are better than pc's?Thanks !!!

RE: pc vs. metal halide

Steven Pro — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:21:27 GMT

Not all clams and anemones have the same lighting requirements. Bubble tips anemones and derasa or squamosa clams can be kept under fluorescent lighting (although both of those clams get far too large for a 30 gallon tank).

I would be giving some serious thought to a T-5 fixture.

pc vs. metal halide

acee529 — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:13:22 GMT

I have a 30 gallon marine fish setup for about 5 years now and want to set up a reef system. I want to setup a reef tank and are in the process of buying a light setup. My question is will a power compact light fixture(192w) be sufficent enough for corals and anenomes or should i lean towards a metal halide (442w) fixture. I was hoping that the pc lighting would be enough because its cheaper and easier on the electric bill but i would like to get some clams and anenomes.I know pc should support most corals but clams and anenomes im not so sure.Would appreciate some feedback.Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!