T5 vs pc link?

[Bigjohnwoody]

I know I have seen a thread for this but I can't find it if someone know it can you let me know? Thanks a lot

[hartnell]

yes I could use a little help picking between t5 and pc

[hartnell]

^

[xpxdx]

i dont' have a link for you, sorry... but the answer is T5 :)

[Peter Eichler]

I'm not aware of a link. There really is no competition, T5 absolutely destroys PC's in nearly every regard.

[nanojg]

nearly every regard? why nearly?

[DarG]

Output per watt is similiar ... it's the reflectors. The reflectors for the T5's make all the difference in the world. The small diameter ... 5/8" ... linear T5 lamp tube allows the use of small, very effective T5 reflectors which reflect/direct the output of the lamp where it matters, down and into the tank. Because of the shape/style of the PC lamps, reflectors cannot be poduced that are nearly as effective and efficient at directing the light back down into the tank, including optimizing the spread of the light. That is why there is really no comparison between the two types of bulbs for aquarium use. Then you can add to that the fact that there are more colors available for T5's, the quality made T5's are easier to find and cost less and the T5's have a longer effective life span.

[fredddy]

I have powercompact for years and was going to switch to t5's then I saw that URI is putting out a powercompact which puts out 35% more light than coralife pc,apparently they have a 180 degree internal reflector,half the price than coralife and supposed to last longer,going to give them a whirl,no harm in trying.

[Peter Eichler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14912199#post14912199 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nanojg
nearly every regard? why nearly?

Because it's easier to change a PC bulb than it is a T5! ;) :lol: In all the areas that matter T5's win by a mile.

[marc nichols]

What is/where is URI? Also, I've been told one could overdrive a T-5. So, what components would i need to do that. I'm interested in replacing the PCs in my Coralife 48" to augment the two 150 14K halides. The PC's are 96 watts actinics (each x2 of them) but probably only room for one T-5 w/reflector in each location.

[xpxdx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14913114#post14913114 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by marc nichols
What is/where is URI?

the bulbs he's talking about are called pc-r, by uvl, which i guess is the same as uri. you can get them at reefgeek.com

they're nice if you already have a pc fixture and would rather spend $50 on new bulbs than a few hundred on a new fixture... my new project will have a tek light over it tho :)

[DarG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14913114#post14913114 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by marc nichols
What is/where is URI? Also, I've been told one could overdrive a T-5. So, what components would i need to do that. I'm interested in replacing the PCs in my Coralife 48" to augment the two 150 14K halides. The PC's are 96 watts actinics (each x2 of them) but probably only room for one T-5 w/reflector in each location.

URI is the former name of UVL ... a company that manufacturers lamps ... PC, T12 VHO, T5 etc. They have or are coming out with PC's with internal reflectors. They still wont reflect more light into your tank than T5 with external reflectors. They also have introduced T5 with internal reflectors. They have made T12 VHO with internal reflectors for years and years. They make or will make all their aquarium lamps both with or without internal reflectors.

The Icecap 660 ballast will overdrive T5 lamps. For example, the 48" T5 HO is 54 watts in standard HO ballast. The Icecap 660 will drive the same lamp to about 80 watts. I believe that Workhorse also has ballast that will overdrive the lamps. I dont know which models. The Icecap 430 will only slightly overdrive the T5 so if you choose an Icecap ballast, make sure it is the 660, not the 430.

Just because the PC is 96 watts does not mean it will put more light into the aquarium than a 54 watt T5. Again, it is about the reflectors. A 54 watt T5 WITH a reputable brand external reflector will direct more light into the tank than the 96 watt PC ... when comparing the same spectrum lamp ... for example, 10K PC with 10K T5 or 420nm PC with 420nm T5 ... etc.