Is this light better than my current Power Compacts?

Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO Aquarium Light Fixtures

Can anyone tell me if they think this is better lighting than 2x96w (192 watts total) power compacts.

Is 156 watts of HO lighting better than 192 watts of power compact??

Seems like a good price on this fixture, or shoud i just save up and get the MH version for like 5 hundred dollars. That will really hurt the pocetbook.

Thanks for the help!!

 

yes t5s are much better than PCs, but i still would wait till i could get the MHs.

 

Depends on what your plans are. You can keep almost any type of coral under a good set of t5's. They run cooler and use a ton less power.

 

Would like to keep some easier corals and maybe a bubble anenome for my clowns. The LFS says my current lighting is enough for either?? What say you all?

 

When I had my 55, I had 4x65w pc. I kept a bta, but I don't think it was thriving, color stayed pretty much tan with a little green. now on my 90 I have 2x250w MH with 2X54w t5 and my bta is an awsome green. Don't know if this helps, just my experience with pc vs mh.

 

Well I just took the plunge and ordered the lights i linked above. Got a great deal on them. 165 shipped!!! brand new. Im pumped can't wait to get this light. Hope it outshines my power compacts, they're moving to the 125 gallon african cichlid tank!!

I just can't bring myself to part w/ 500 bucks for a MH rig.......

 

I know I keep on saying this, so I'm sorry for those of you who have to listen to my babbling. But T5's have more PAR, PUR and lumens per watt, IMO T5's blow every other light out of the water, especially pc's. Yes, in some instances MH's can be better, but if it where up to me and the depth of the tank was not too high, I would get T5's. The key to light, is having a decent fixture. Look into a TEK, really outstanding light IMO. Thicker, better reflector than ATI's, but not fan cooled. What's your budget anyhow? Maybe you can find a used one for cheap. The Nova's are not terrible fixture's, but lighting is one thing you do not want to skimp on

 

I forgot to add, yes MH has a shimmer effect. But honestly, who cares when you get so many different bulb choices with T5's. They run cooler, bulbs last longer, and are much nicer to your electric bill