Which light would be better?
 

Ok so I found a two used lights for sale for my 30 gallon tank.

Option #1
30" T5 total 48 watts 1- 10,000k and 1- 460nm actinic with parabolic reflector and 4 moonlight LED's - $80

Option #2
36" Power Compact total 96 watts 1 50/50 bulb 10000k/460nm 1 moonlight LED and cooling fan - $70

They are both around the same price so thats not a big deal, but which light is better? I know T5s put out more lumens than the PC, but would the doubled wattage of the PC be a better bet to keep soft corals: shrooms, zoas, etc.

T5s, under a parabolic reflector, aren't going to be near as good as if under contoured reflectors.

Personally, I'd keep looking, and pass on either of these options.

both seem to reach the minimal light requirements for even soft corals in a 30g tank. i would go with the T5 though.

no matter the starting cost, PCs will end up costing you more with replacement bulbs and a higher electric bill than with T5s. Both units don't put out quite the intensity that zoas prefer, I would spend a bit more to get something between 100-150 watts. At between 48 and 96 watts, that will stimulate more of the algas, especially if the bulbs have been used previously. Is there room to use them both? :-)

I don't think there is enough room for both. And I know individual reflectors would be better than the parabolic, but my budget doesn't allow me to spend too much more. It's my girlfriends tank and I'm also setting up a 180 right now so tying to balance the two. If I were to get either of these two for a temporary which would be better and also what would you reccomend down the road as far as fixtures in the 100-150 watt range for a 30 gallon tank?

Go with the T-5's, but you will probably not have the best color due to lower watts.

chose T5:) for me is nothing to chosing:P