David593

I have a 55 gallon tank and need new lighting. I currently only have 30w of light and that won't work for me as I want to start planting...

I was looking at power compact fixtures and was looking at the USA Satellite fixture. 48" has two 65 watt bulbs and two lunar lights. It is priced at $150 but i found it somewhere for $90.

I just read something about T-5HO lighting. I read that it was cooler, more lumens per watt, longer lasting, and the bulbs are cheaper. Whereas PC bulbs are $25, the T-5HO bulbs are $15. I Found a fixture with two 54 watt bulbs for about $100. though it has a little fewer watts, it seems like it would release around the same amount of light. However, no lunar lights.

It seems like T-5 lighting is way better and cheaper in the long run. Why are the PC fixtures more expensive (retail price)? I ordered a PC fixture before finding this out. It hasnt arrived yet, but do you think I could return it?

dvc_r

I have the Satellite with two 65 watt bulbs and the lunar lights on my 55 gal and I LOVE it!!! Last week I replaced the 50/50 bulbs with 67Ks for better plant growth. Petsmart had the bulbs for $48 each!!!! But I got them from Dr Forester/Smith for $23 each. I had the t-5s on the 55g when I first got them and I couldn't get any plants to grow.

dvc_r

PS: Nate Mcfin wrote in another post...
Here is an alternative to the 6700 K that get very nice reviews over at plantedtank.net as well APC. I am ordering one of these and one 6700 K to use as a combo in my Coralife set up. Do a search for 9325 over at plantedtank.net and read some reviews. Best of all....17.95!
http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/eca...=F55BX.AR.FSGE

I hope this helps

Maybe a moderator can couple these two posts togther

harpua2002

If you were able to do a side-by-side comparison of the 130W PC light vs. the 108W T5 light, the T5 light would be noticeably brighter. Still, a 4 bulb T5 fixture would be better for a reef than a 2 bulb T5 fixture. For a reef, you're going to need more light than that 2 bulb PC fixture. You can probably return it once it arrives.

dvc_r

I'm sorry. I Looked at your profile and assumed this light was for your freshwater tank.

harpua2002

You're right. It appears I have failed miserably! The OP even mentioned planting the tank, now that I'm re-reading. VIVA LA FAIL!

dvc_r

funny