T5 or PC

[JDUBBS220]

Can anyone compare these two kits for me. I want to hang it over a 55g (48"x13"x18"). I would like to know not only any reviews, but also what would be more beneficial for a variety of corals (lps,soft,and maybe sps).

48" Coralife Lunar Aqualight Double Linear CF (260w)

48" Current Nova Extreme T5 (4x54w)


I currently have a 46 bow and am going to a 55g I aquired. I am running two Current Satellites (96w square pin) presently on the 46.

Thanks

 

[GSMguy]

neither is any bettter than what you have
you should look at the aquatinics t5 systems

 

[kwirky]

or the 4 bulb sunlight supply teklight fixture. I have an 8 bulb (48"x24") fixture and I've been quite pleased with it. better growth under it than under MH in a satellite tank.

 

[reeftexas]

aquatinics are awesome lights

 

[pjf]

No Individual Reflectors

No Individual Reflectors

Neither of your fixture choices have individual parabolic reflectors for each tube. In the case of twin-tube PC lamps, individual reflectors are impossible because of the close proximity of the tubes to each other.

The T5 is more energy-efficient:

• PC or pin-based high-wattage compact fluorescent lamps (HW-CFL) generate ~60 lumens per watt: http://lightingresearch.org/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/HWCFL/HWCFL-efficacy.asp
• T5HO 54W lighting produces ~90 lumens per watt: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/lat5/pc1a.asp

Unfortunately, much of the light is wasted because of the lack of individual parabolic reflectors.

The Aquatinics and Tek Light fixtures are much better.

 

[Henry Bowman]

^^ Yup ^^ I agree with PJF ! He hit the nail on the head !

Gotta have individual reflectors to get the bang for the buck out of T5's.

 

[shibumi]

48" Coralife Lunar Aqualight Double Linear CF (260w)
48" Current Nova Extreme T5 (4x54w)
Aquatinics t5 systems

How much is the difference?
and what about power expense?

Yes .. looking for a light too.

 

[RichConley]

honestly shibumi, a 2 bulb T5HO fixture with individual reflectors will give you more light than a 4 bulb without individual reflectors.

 

[Henry Bowman]

Never heard a bad thing about Aquactinics. I have one of their lights and am very happy with it.