Should I return PC for T-5?

[ScooterGuitar]

I believe I can still get full $ on return towards anothe rligthing sytem as I've only had it a few days.
I just replaced a Coralife PC fixture for my 75 (4x65), since that is what IU have used for years. Now after getting back into it, I read about the T-5 stuff.
Would the Current Nova T-5 Extreme be a lot better system if I'm going to get heavier into corals? If so, A LOT better?! It would only run me about another $100 more.

Or for about the same $, the Current Sundial version?

Thanks

[James77]

It would be a lot better if it had individual(not one for all bulbs) reflectors and was cooled. The only thing that makes T5s better than any other flourescent is the ability to have a very efficient reflector surrounf the bulb.

[ScooterGuitar]

If I do it, I would go with the Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater model (6 bulbs).
And, while i'm inquiring if it is better for my wants, I would be willing to swap out a few of the bulbs ofr the perferred models. Maybe swap two out, would that help?

[ScooterGuitar]

BAsically I want to know, is T5 lots better?

[lotekfish]

I think T5 is enough better than PC to go ahead with replacing it. Even if it gives you the same amount of light it makes more sense economincally. Consider that the PC bulbs will need to be replaced in 8-12months while the T5 will last 18-24 months. Price out what replacing those 4x65w PC bulbs will be in 8 months, and then again in another 8 months.

You will not regret the T5s no matter what fixture you go with.

[susan92368]

you'll be very happy with the nova extreme pro. plus being able to have a choice in bulb coloration is a nice feature that you do not get with the pc's.

[jasonrp104]

I had PC for a few years and after switching to a four bulb t5, I wish I had never spent the money on the pc. The difference is noticably better

[nanojg]

Originally Posted by lotekfish

I think T5 is enough better than PC to go ahead with replacing it. Even if it gives you the same amount of light it makes more sense economincally. Consider that the PC bulbs will need to be replaced in 8-12months while the T5 will last 18-24 months. Price out what replacing those 4x65w PC bulbs will be in 8 months, and then again in another 8 months.

You will not regret the T5s no matter what fixture you go with.

I agree go with T5's, even if the fixture is equal to the pc fixture, the T5 bulb selection is much better. Although it is generally recomended to switch out t5 bulbs around the 1 year mark, maybe 15 months if the fixture is cooled well. To answer your question are T5's that much better: IMO as far as output a poor t5 fixture may give slightly better light then a poor pc fixture; however, a really good t5 fixture will BLOW away a really good pc fixture.

[ScooterGuitar]

Thank you for the replies. I think I'm going to do the swaparooni!

[Jared J]

I'd have to agree also. T5's are much better. If it were a smaller tank I would probably not bother but the Nova Extreme is a nice fixture especially with the 6 bulbs.

[ScooterGuitar]

Just ordered it! Whoo hoo!

[luther1200]

T5 all the way. I switched out my2-65w PC supplements for 2-39w T5's. I have 2-150w MH for main lights. And the T5's were so much stronger that when I swapped out the PC's for the T5's some of my SPS started to bleach they were so bright! And that was just 2 bulbs. I had to remove the reflectors for a few weeks to acclimate the coral. I never would have thought that the T5's were that much brighter.

[ScooterGuitar]

Wow! That's good to hear. So much has changed since I started this tank 5 years ago! PC was the way to go, unless you could do MH.