Switching from PC's to T5's

[woodycb]

I currently have 192watt pc's over my 46gal and I would like to switch to 4 lamp 39watt, 154watt total T5 fixture. Just want to know if it would be worth it.

 

[Reefbox]

I really like the T-5's.

To make the fullest use of your energy get a lighting system that has individual lamp reflector's. The reflector's increase light output 300%.

I upgraded a 4 bulb 48"PC to a T-5 then a T-5 with individual reflector's and am very happy with it.

 

[saltycreefer]

Very much worth it!

 

[horkn]

totally worth it. you will be using less electricity, bulbs will last longer, you will have more PAR, and you will have better bulb selection with t5s.

but yeah, to harness the light you need ind parabolic reflectors. make sure the unit you buy has them.

keep in mind it could be a bad shock for the corals, light wise.

so acclimate the tank to the t5s properly

 

[woodycb]

it is a nova extreme fixture

 

[ambaratur]

Unfortunately the nova extreme fixtures do not have individual reflectors... I would also recommend that you find a fixture that does have the individual reflectors.

 

[woodycb]

what is the average bulb life for t5's

 

[bklynmet]

I have a 6x54 over my 75g and can keep just about anything - clams to mushrooms to stony corals to large polyp stony corals.

I myself went from PC to T5 and am happy I did. Bulb life is good. It is worth it.

 

[woodycb]

so if it does not have individual parabolic reflectors it is no good, or it is still good, just not as good.