which fixture should i get?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by mvp, Nov 23, 2010.

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  1. mvp

    mvp Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2010
    Messages:
    53
    i have a 55 gallon soon to be reef aquarium, im looking at either:
    Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5-
    3-54 watt 10,000°K
    3-54 watt 460 nm actinic
    total of 324 watts which is around 5.8 watts per gallon

    AquaticLife Compact Fluorescent Lunar Light-
    2 65W Actinic
    2 65W 10,000°K
    total of 260 watts which is around 4.6 watts per gallon

    down the line im looking to keep SPS,LPS, softies and a tridacna clam, so is there a real different between the two? such as:
    one is t5 while the other is compact flourescent
    or
    that one has 5.8 watts per gallon and the other is 4.6 watts per gallon?
    so i would really like your personal opinion on what would be best for SPS, LPS, softies and tridacna clam. the only different i see is that one is 40 dollars more then the other.
     
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
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    19,258
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    Sparks, NV
    I would buy the Nova and change the stock bulbs within 6 months. PC are good but T5HO are better when used with individual or molded reflectors. Watts per gallon are a measure for T5NO, T8 and T12 bulbs.
     
  4. 4phish

    4phish Montipora Digitata

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2009
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    1,055
    Location:
    Northern Ky
    Go with the Nova. You can keep a wide range of corals, depending on placement and Nova's are great fixtures.