T5 vs. Halde in a 10 Gallon

I Currently have a 70w Viper Halide with a bulb that needs replacing. Now the bulb I want is a AB 20000K which costs like 89.00.

While searching I found a 24 inch 4x24w Sundial with independently contoured reflectors for 89.00 plus shipping. This fixture is 4 inches longer than my ten gallon but the legs are adjustable so I can make it stand over the tank just fine It would have like 2 inches hanging over the sides though. On the plus side it has the timers which I love.

SO what should I do they are both on the same price point if you don;t count shipping. The tank is only 12 inches deep and I plan to keep only zoo's, paly's, and chalices.

 

their both around the same in my eyes. its what ever you want, the only difference is with the t5 you could have actinics

 

I was thinking that too but with a 20000k it would be a moot point wouldn't it? They have a very blue tint to them.

 

That is an expensive bulb man. You can get a Ushio 20k for $49.99. My only beef with the sundial is the independently contoured reflector is just one piece of metal shaped to fit around each bulb, so its nowhere near as good as true individual reflectors. On that tank it probably wont make a difference though.

I've never used a 70 watt metal halide but is the aqualine bulb really worth the additional $30?

 

yes it is ushios are garbage their 14k 70w are more like a 12000k or even 10000k very white. World wide corals uses AB bulbs on their tanks and it makes their corals look sick.