T5 vs. Compact flourescent

[antman]

Thanks for the input. The corals I have in there right now are just some mushrooms and some star polyps and they seem to do well under any lighting. In the future I am planning on getting a couple of more interesting corals such as some LPS. My aquarium is just a standard 55 gallon. Am I alright going for the 54x4 watt nova extreme fixture or should I get the 6x54 nova extreme pro. Right now I am just talking aesthetically.

[rjohn111]

With the proper LEDs, yes but most people can not afford the cost of them. We did some calculations a year or so ago and it took about 12 yrs to recoup the cost of them. Also, I have helped remove 3 Solaris fixtures because they didn't produce growth. Not trying to start an argument, just stating some facts. I wished they worked better for growth and were affordable. That is why I went from 4 -250w MH to all t5s.

It creates the shimmer when I use it in conjunction with my normal lights. It also gives me enough light to feed my fish when i do a "dark" series of days to control algae or whatever. Check them out.

[Rychek]

How long have you had your LED fixture and what have you kept under it in your tank?

[rjohn111]

I bought it 3 months ago and I have zoas, mushrooms, and xenia under it. My xenia seems to like it especially.

[Rychek]

How deep/tall is your tank? These lights sound like a possiblity, but I have some SPS and don't want to risk them.

[SABOB]

antman,I would go with the Nova Extreme Pro.6 bulbs with individual reflectors would let you keep most anything in a 55.Post pictures of your tank after you buy it.