T5 or CF lighting?

[phoenix20]

I'm trying to decide if I am going to purchase either T5 or CF lighting. I only have a 24" usable area, so i'm trying to get the most PAR/bang for my buck.

The CF has a higher wattage for $179 -- this unit has 2x64W
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~ES53402~idCategory~FILTFIPCTF~category~24in_Units-Power_Compact-Fixtures-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~~tab~5.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~ES53402~idCategory~FILTFIPCTF~category~24in_Units-Power_Compact-Fixtures-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~~tab~5.html</a>


The T5s are only rated at 2x24W for a 24" area.

I already have 4x24W T5's, so I'm thinking that the CF might be the better choice to go? The CF would deliver twice the wattage the T5s would. Does mixing up the type of lighting increase the spectrum of light delivered? I've heard that T5 has a higher PAR rating than CF. Should I be looking at just raw Wattage I can deliver?

Is there a list of "PAR" Values associated with bulbs / fixtures?

 

[drnecropolis]

phoenix20;221087 wrote: I'm trying to decide if I am going to purchase either T5 or CF lighting. I only have a 24" usable area, so i'm trying to get the most PAR/bang for my buck.

The CF has a higher wattage for $179 -- this unit has 2x64W
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~ES53402~idCategory~FILTFIPCTF~category~24in_Units-Power_Compact-Fixtures-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~~tab~5.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~ES53402~idCategory~FILTFIPCTF~category~24in_Units-Power_Compact-Fixtures-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~~tab~5.html</a>


The T5s are only rated at 2x24W for a 24" area.

I already have 4x24W T5's, so I'm thinking that the CF might be the better choice to go? The CF would deliver twice the wattage the T5s would. Does mixing up the type of lighting increase the spectrum of light delivered? I've heard that T5 has a higher PAR rating than CF. Should I be looking at just raw Wattage I can deliver?

Is there a list of "PAR" Values associated with bulbs / fixtures?[/QUOTE]

I would go t5...John and I are redoing my canopy and redoing my lights..Im going from 2x250 DE and 4x96PC to 2x250 SE overdriven and 8x39 T5

 

[jcusmarine]

Have you considered HQI lighting also?

For a few more dollars you could look at this clamp on unit, which would flexible for a small tank: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~JB9113~idCategory~FILTFIMHCO~category~Clamp_On-Metal_Halide-Fixtures-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~JB9113~idCategory~FILTFIMHCO~category~Clamp_On-Metal_Halide-Fixtures-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html</a>

HQI has the highest PAR. I do not own an HQI fixture however.....

 

[drnecropolis]

dawgdude;221108 wrote: I have tested some fixture/bulb combinations that are worse than my T-5s on my 90. I have 400 par with my T-5s and only 290 with my 250w HQI 20k Helios. Par is a really funny thing like that. I know some 250w SE can out perform some HQI with the correct ballast/lumen bright reflector. If you do go with a Halide, I would recommend looking at a Phoenix 14k bulb since they are great spectrum and par.

You could stick a dam maglight in a LumenBright and get great results:lol2:

 

[drnecropolis]

dawgdude;221111 wrote: Haha no kidding! Maybe a candle perhaps when the power goes out? lol

candle might reduce you to 200par at the bottom though..lol