Advice please :confused

[geoff72]

One of my ballasts just went out in the 4X65w PC fixture so I am looking for a new fixture. I found two that I like but I am debating on which one to get. These are T5's 1 6X54 for $279 or 4X54 for $159. That is a big difference in price. From what I understand, T5's are better than PC's so the 4x54 is just as good as my 4x65 or better. My tank is a 55g, 48in long.
Any advice.

 

[AIMFish]

Were the 2 hoods you mentioned the same brand? Hoods incorporating individual reflectors put out alot more light than ones sharing a reflector like CF's do. If the 4x54 was using individual reflectors it will put out more light than a 4x65 CF.

 

[geoff72]

Here is where I found them.

http://www.northcoastmarines.com/lighting_systems_fluor.htm

 

[Amy83820]

I have 4x54 T5's without the individual reflectors. It is still really bright. I switched over from pc's and for about 2 months could only run 2 bulbs at a time because my shrooms were shriveling up and my zoas wouldn't open. I guess it just depends on what kind of corals you have.

 

[mpcart]

I'd go with the 4 x 54's but I'd definitely get a fixture that has individual reflectors. They are more expensive, but the individual reflectors are supposed to make a huge difference. You can look at my setup if you want - I'm located in O'Fallon.

-Mike

 

[Arsenal11]

I will disagree with the reflector part, its not in the reflectors, its in the bulb choice, over my 375 i have 2 tek 4' fixtures with the individual reflectors & 2 finnex fixtures with 1 solid reflector, bought the geismann bulbs & if i blindfold anyone & switch out the fixtures, they would not be able to tell the diffenence. Just my 2 cents, i know people on here will disagree, but the finnex is less than 1/2 the tek light, but the geismann bulbs are not cheap.