Allright I am now officially confused... Im trying to decide wether to go with some t12 VHOs, T5 lighting, or power compacts and I cant see to locate and answer for how long theses different bulbs last? im cruzing the net and getting different answers.... Is there any place where I cant find this information?
T-5?
- Thread starter ajpearson
- Start date
Re: T-5?
ok but how often do you have to replace them. What is the life expectancy of the pc vs. t5? every 6 months, yearly, or more?
ok but how often do you have to replace them. What is the life expectancy of the pc vs. t5? every 6 months, yearly, or more?
Re: T-5?
Bulb life expectancy:
PC - 1 year
T5 - 2 years
Contrary to popular belief, T5's are really not any more expensive than PC lights. Given their much higher efficiency and longer life span, T5's are actually cheaper over a 2 year span (example: 55w PC bulb = $18-28; 54w T5 bulb = $10-15). They are also more effective than PC lighting, therefore, they require less light than PC.
Bulb life expectancy:
PC - 1 year
T5 - 2 years
Contrary to popular belief, T5's are really not any more expensive than PC lights. Given their much higher efficiency and longer life span, T5's are actually cheaper over a 2 year span (example: 55w PC bulb = $18-28; 54w T5 bulb = $10-15). They are also more effective than PC lighting, therefore, they require less light than PC.
Re: T-5?
Yya...........but I think the main issues are better light spread and less intensity(PC's have a little too much IMO, we simply do not need that much in most cases).
For smaller tanks, PC's do well but for a 55-75 gal, 2x 54 w is perfect for most designs/layouts. I've seen some very nice systems using this wattage set up.
I get 4-5 years out of my PC lamps.
If yours are only 1 year or less, send me your bulbs
I've said this for 5 years and no one has ever sent me their bulbs yet..........
Regards,
Tom Barr
Yya...........but I think the main issues are better light spread and less intensity(PC's have a little too much IMO, we simply do not need that much in most cases).
For smaller tanks, PC's do well but for a 55-75 gal, 2x 54 w is perfect for most designs/layouts. I've seen some very nice systems using this wattage set up.
I get 4-5 years out of my PC lamps.
If yours are only 1 year or less, send me your bulbs
I've said this for 5 years and no one has ever sent me their bulbs yet..........
Regards,
Tom Barr