Upgrade stock Biocube or not?

Alright, as of now, I have stock lighting running, 2x36W PC bulbs for a total of 72W. My question is which would be the better upgrade.

a) 4x24W = 96W T5 HO fixture for $173 Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO

b) Nanotuner Biocube mod. Adds one extra 36W PC fixture for a total of 3x36W PC = 108W for $67.96

or

c) Nanotuner Biocube mod #2. Adds two extra 36W PC fixtures for a total of 4x36W PC = 144W for $152.96

I know T5 bulbs are considered better than PC but for the wattage and price difference, I'm not sure now. I like the look of keeping the original Biocube hood as well.

 

ya i agree i would keep the stock hood. i would ad another pc bulb (1) with the 2 stock lights the tank is pretty dim another pc will help. if ur going to spend $150+ for a t5 light i would just wait and get a used setup of craigslist or something. the prices do they included bulbs?

 

i had a rsm 130 and a bc29 setup at the same time and the rsm was 2x as lit as the bc29. the rsm has 110w of pc lighting and the bc29 72w. i would spend the least of mount of cash go with the pc's. if you want to keep sps corals t5 may be better, however if go that far i would just hang a mh pendant over it.

 

All the prices include bulbs. Which I thought was a plus. The problem for me right now is the cost of MH. There is a Biocube mod that upgrades it to MH but it's like $300 and I don't have that kind of money to spend on a light right now. As far as SPS, I'm not looking at getting any in the near future but I've heard of people keeping them under the 4 PC mod and having absolutely no problems at all.

 

can you add a one bulb mod at a time? if so you could add one see how you like it and then add another if you like. 2 one bulb mods is cheaper then dual bulb mod. if this is possible i would condsider this route.

 

I don't see why I couldn't do one at a time. The 2 bulb mod is more expensive because the ballast is a double instead of going with two singles, it comes with a larger heat shield, and a better power supply I think.

 

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

Bump

 

I know you said you would like to keep the original BC top.. but a 20" sunpod would be a nice addition.

(I say this because their currently for sale @ Marine Depot)

Edit- they've been for sale for a few years now. I meant ON sale.

 

i wouldn't upgrade it ,unless u have no intentions of going bigger if u dont then upgrading is the way to go