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Can someone explain the dif?Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment Specific discussions on aquarium equipment from protein skimmers to water pumps. Which are the best, what they do, and what you might need for your reef aquarium. |
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#1
February 17th, 2008, 07:57 PM
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Can someone explain the dif?
I understand the difference in Fluorescents and metal halides, my question is whats the difference between the different types of fluorescents. I have your basic two flourescent bulb hood on my planted tank<i realize its a salt forum> but what are t5s PC, compant fluorescents, is a ballast just a power booster just kinda lost I guess, never took the time to learn about lighting other that the bare minimum. I know dumb questions.
Current Aquarium(s) Description: 180gal Mixed Reef Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: Newbie to Salt, 2 years planted, Freshwater Forever and a Day! Other Intrests: hunting outdoorsy things, cars motorcycles anything that goes fast drag cars 
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#2
February 17th, 2008, 10:27 PM
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Re: Can someone explain the dif?
well PC and is power compact fluroescents and lets out more lumens per regular fluroescents while T5 lets out even more and are very bright, not as much as halides, but they have their advantages when it comes to bulb cost and heat/evaporation
Current Aquarium(s) Description: 34 gallon Solana w/ 150 Halide Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: 6 months Other Intrests: Fishing, Outdoors, having fun
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#3
February 17th, 2008, 10:28 PM
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Re: Can someone explain the dif?
It's also the size of the bulb. T5s have very slender bulbs so you can fit a lot more light into the same size space.
__________________
"If we went to a Halloween party dressed as Batman and Robin, I'd go as Robin. That's how much you mean to me... " Sarah 
Current Aquarium(s) Description: 240-gallon reef with a 55-gallon sump and 35-gallon refugium Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: 7 years
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#4
February 17th, 2008, 11:42 PM
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Re: Can someone explain the dif?
to further explain the bulbs, the t# stands for the number of 1/8th of an inch in diameter. the t5's are 5/8ths of an inch t8 are 8/8ths or 1 inch in diameter. T5's give off more lumens per watt versus the T8's.
PC stands for Power Compact they give off more light than t8's but not as much as the T5's. As for the ballasts, they pretty much do the same thing as the ballasts for MH bulbs or any gas discharge bulbs do. It starts the bulb and then holds a specific amount of current to keep the bulb going. Ballasts need to be for the specific bulb type and wattage. Brian Current Aquarium(s) Description: 30 Gal Fish/Reef Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: Since 2004
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#5
February 18th, 2008, 03:35 AM
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Re: Can someone explain the dif?
Thanks for answering such a dumb ass question.
Current Aquarium(s) Description: 180gal Mixed Reef Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: Newbie to Salt, 2 years planted, Freshwater Forever and a Day! Other Intrests: hunting outdoorsy things, cars motorcycles anything that goes fast drag cars
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#6
February 18th, 2008, 02:49 PM
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Re: Can someone explain the dif?
not dumbass at all. Now as far as choosing lighting for your tank.....PC's are decent, but expensive to replace bulbs. T8's really limit what you can do, and T5's are pretty much your best bang for the buck.
Current Aquarium(s) Description: 180g reef with 60g sump/fuge Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: one year! Other Intrests: Snowmobiling, fishing and other outdoor activities
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| The Following User Says Thank You to Melonbob For This Useful Post: | ||
RyanG (February 18th, 2008) | ||
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#7
February 18th, 2008, 07:18 PM
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Re: Can someone explain the dif?
Can anyone recommend a site for a fixture of T5s for my 29gal(30 inch) I know the light spectrum is different for my tanks and yours but i can figure that out myself. Im on like a $150ish budget. Any change of an upgrade for that kind of cash?
Current Aquarium(s) Description: 180gal Mixed Reef Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: Newbie to Salt, 2 years planted, Freshwater Forever and a Day! Other Intrests: hunting outdoorsy things, cars motorcycles anything that goes fast drag cars
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#8
February 18th, 2008, 11:13 PM
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Re: Can someone explain the dif?
I also have a 29 gal 30" tank. I had to get a 24 inch t5 fixture and make some brackets to hold the light.
I have the nova t5 T-5 Aquarium Lighting: Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights Not to shabby of a price come with bulbs. Brian Current Aquarium(s) Description: 30 Gal Fish/Reef Experience in Saltwater & Reef Aquarium Hobby: Since 2004
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| The Following User Says Thank You to bjohanson1234 For This Useful Post: | ||
RyanG (February 19th, 2008) | ||
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