Help with PC vs T-5 power

[Birchell]

Hey guys,

I am looking to light my 55 gallon in the new few weeks. I want to add my yellow polyps, and my mushrooms to the tank, but Im also looking to go with softies, and lps corals in the 55. I dont have the cash for MH, so Im looking for good light with out the risk of heat, and the price of the unit. I have a current USA orbit pc light over my nano and like it. But Ive been reading that the T-5's are somewhat better than the PC"s. I found a Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights for 199, on sale that has 4 54 watt HO bulbs, and an upgraded version of my light with 4-65 watt lights for 250 bucks. Thats the kind of money I can spend, but Im not sure what unit would put out the most light. The PC unit has more watts, but Ive heard the t-5's will penatrate further. I really dont go on the watts per gallon rule, I just know more watts mean more light will hit the lower corals. Anyone have any real life knowledge of the two? I know MH is the best, lol. So I dont want to hear that, I just want to see who has had the best luck with what.

Michael

[Covey]

T-5s produce far more light per watt than PCs. Even though they are almost the same wattage of the two fixtures you mentioned the T-5 fixture will be almost twice as bright.

When I got my 1st t-5HO rig 3 tanks ago I had a 39W t-5ho bulb running next to a 65W PC. The T-5 was still noticable brighter.

[Covey]

SAW39 owns one of the Nova Extremes you might want to ask him how he likes it.

[Birchell]

Thanks Covey. Ive been reading all you threads, and found you have alot of good info about t-5's. Im almost positive im gonna get the t-5's, I just wanted to get some input on what real world people have to say. Knowing that the 39 watt t-5 was brighter than the 65 watt pc makes me feel better.

[Birchell]

Ill give saw a pm, thanks