Lighting Question -

[Prairie Kat]

I still consider myself fairly new to the Marie Aquarium and was wondering about lighting -

Out of these 2 options, what would be the opinions around here of which is better?

T8's (48" w/3 bulbs) or

Power Compacts (2 bulbs)

(I know T5's are the better option at the moment - but I am unable to do that at this time - plus I really only want softies for now)

Thanks!

Kathy

 

[Flamenco-t]

Kathy,

Never tried T8, but my PC was fine as long as your tank is not too tall.

Anything under 19" tall can be done with PC, just move some corals towards the top.

Speaking of which, I still need your help to drill my tank. I am down to one fish left on my freshwater to be moved to the big tank, and then, I can empty the 75 gallon to drill for return bulkheads.

stan

 

[Firewolf4]

Kathy,
I think for a softie's only tank I would go with the PC's. The T8's just dont seem to have as many color options nor do they throw out as much light.
Whil I was rebuilding my 260W Oddysea fixure, I put a pair of T8's over the tank (6500K) and it looked like I had a regular light bulb over it. These were 32W x2 48" T8's that were "severely overdriven" with a pair of workhorse 5's and it just wasn't enough. Just a Single 65W 21" PC throws off more light.