20 long: 65 watt PC vs. Finnex Ray II vs. T5HO

NyteBlade · 11-03-2012, 03:27 PM

I currently have a Current Sattelite 65 watt PC light over a 20 gallon long tank.
I'm looking to potentially upgrade my lighting to something else a bit more modern, specifically a Finnex Ray II 30" fixture when they're available. I've been looking at either this or a T5HO light.

Are these fixtures approximately equal as far as light output? (Based on the PAR charts, it looks like they are.)
Can anyone in similar situations comment as far as how happy they are with the Finnex Ray II, and why they chose it over other options?
I'm looking for a high light tank, but not insanely high.

Thanks!

mike1v · 11-03-2012, 03:42 PM

I just (yesterday) upgraded from 2 65w pc w polished reflectors over a 46 bowfront. It is 36 long and 21 tall.. I bought the 36" RAY 2.. To me the finnex did not give me more light.. Good for me. You may get some improvement because you were covering 30" with one 65w lamp. I used 2 65w lamps. Mine were suspended about 6" over the tank.. So about 24" over the substrate.

nikom8992 · 12-03-2012, 06:37 AM

i too would like to know about how the lights look do you get more growth? do your plants pearl more are you running into algae problems or plant problems? would you every buy it again?

11-03-2012, 03:27 PM	#1
NyteBlade Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (40/100%) Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 750	20 long: 65 watt PC vs. Finnex Ray II vs. T5HO I currently have a Current Sattelite 65 watt PC light over a 20 gallon long tank. I'm looking to potentially upgrade my lighting to something else a bit more modern, specifically a Finnex Ray II 30" fixture when they're available. I've been looking at either this or a T5HO light. Are these fixtures approximately equal as far as light output? (Based on the PAR charts, it looks like they are.) Can anyone in similar situations comment as far as how happy they are with the Finnex Ray II, and why they chose it over other options? I'm looking for a high light tank, but not insanely high. Thanks! __________________ Chris Canon Pimp #20

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11-03-2012, 03:42 PM	#2
mike1v Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: zebulon, NC Posts: 35	I just (yesterday) upgraded from 2 65w pc w polished reflectors over a 46 bowfront. It is 36 long and 21 tall.. I bought the 36" RAY 2.. To me the finnex did not give me more light.. Good for me. You may get some improvement because you were covering 30" with one 65w lamp. I used 2 65w lamps. Mine were suspended about 6" over the tank.. So about 24" over the substrate.

12-03-2012, 06:37 AM	#3
nikom8992 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Allegan, Mi Posts: 27	i too would like to know about how the lights look do you get more growth? do your plants pearl more are you running into algae problems or plant problems? would you every buy it again?