should I switch to T5?

[jarrette]

So it's here again...

It's time again to buy 4x 65w Power Compact bulbs! YAAAYYYY

I'm not very knowledgable when it comes to lighting, but I've had the same ballist for a few years now, it's a custom sea life 48" ballist with the moon light. I got onto one of my favorite online vendors to get the 4 bulbs I'll be needing...


Dual Daylights X 2 ($55) (https://www.petsolutions.com/65w-Dual-Daylight6700K10000K-SunPaq+I42902021.aspx)

Dual Actinic X 2 ($55) (https://www.petsolutions.com/21-65w-Dual-Actinic-420460nm-SunPaq+I42902020.aspx)

Total Cost for bulb replacement: $110 + Shipping

Then I started looking at this...

48" SALTWATER NOVA EXTREME T5HO($100) (https://www.petsolutions.com/Nova-Extreme-T5HO-Fixtures+I42901124+C99999.aspx)

54W HIGH OUTPUT 10,000K bulb and 48" 54W HIGH OUTPUT 460NM ACTINIC BULB($35) (https://www.petsolutions.com/T-5-Fluorescent-Bulbs+I42902106+C40001725.aspx)

Total Cost for bulbs AND new light assembly: $135 + Shipping

I guess my question is this, should I make the switch? Will I still have the same level of lighting? My thinking is if this is true, then I would gladly pay the extra 25 bucks to get the new setup, my old light assembly switches dont work anymore, the fan doesnt work, etc... So I would love to have a new setup, but not at the cost of decreased light for my coral....

any advice? TIA!

[BIGBIRD123]

If it was my choice...I'd go with the T5s. You'll get MORE light than the PCs. Also, you can keep more "light sensitive" corals.

S

[Fish4life]

I would make the switch to t5's. However, the nova units IMO are junk. When you buy t5's, bulb brand/individual reflectors can really make or break the set-up.

[alton]

T5HO Lamps are cheaper to replace and last about 4 months longer than CFL's.

[XeroKitsune]

i have a 48inch odyssea 250 watt lighting setup 2total of four bulbs and 8 lunar lights i love the light i get it puts way more light than my t5s ever did i turn it on and leave my door open to my room and it lights up our hole hallway

[Fish4life]

okay, just a little more information for thought. pc's are essentially a bent t5 bulb. The reason the t5's provide more lighting is because of the reflector.

[Bill S]

Switch to T5s. I have a Nova on my 55, and while it isn't really JUNK, it's a lower end unit. But, it works fine and it's now 2 years old.

[TexasTodd]

The bulb/color/spectrum selection is much better/broader with T5's.

Todd

[jarrette]

so even though the nova is a lower end unit, it's still better than what i have now, correct?