Help with PC vs T-5 power

Hey guys,

I am looking to light my 55 gallon in the new few weeks. I want to add my yellow polyps, and my mushrooms to the tank, but Im also looking to go with softies, and lps corals in the 55. I dont have the cash for MH, so Im looking for good light with out the risk of heat, and the price of the unit. I have a current USA orbit pc light over my nano and like it. But Ive been reading that the T-5's are somewhat better than the PC"s. I found a Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights for 199, on sale that has 4 54 watt HO bulbs, and an upgraded version of my light with 4-65 watt lights for 250 bucks. Thats the kind of money I can spend, but Im not sure what unit would put out the most light. The PC unit has more watts, but Ive heard the t-5's will penatrate further. I really dont go on the watts per gallon rule, I just know more watts mean more light will hit the lower corals. Anyone have any real life knowledge of the two? I know MH is the best, lol. So I dont want to hear that, I just want to see who has had the best luck with what.

Michael

 

T-5s produce far more light per watt than PCs. Even though they are almost the same wattage of the two fixtures you mentioned the T-5 fixture will be almost twice as bright.

When I got my 1st t-5HO rig 3 tanks ago I had a 39W t-5ho bulb running next to a 65W PC. The T-5 was still noticable brighter.

 

SAW39 owns one of the Nova Extremes you might want to ask him how he likes it.

 

Thanks Covey. Ive been reading all you threads, and found you have alot of good info about t-5's. Im almost positive im gonna get the t-5's, I just wanted to get some input on what real world people have to say. Knowing that the 39 watt t-5 was brighter than the 65 watt pc makes me feel better.

 

Ill give saw a pm, thanks