Differences between T5 HO Bulb brands?

[bondolo]

I have a 4 tube 21" T5 24W HO fixture on my 55G corner tank. The tank has mostly softies, LPS and montiporas. Changing the fixture isn't in my immediate plans so I am going to stick with these corals for now.

I have been using ATI, Wave Point and Coralife bulbs--whatever was available or cheaper when I needed to buy. I am currently replacing roughly every 6-8 months. I am currently using:

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
Wave Point Coral wave
ATI Aquablue Special

I'm curious if there are reviews or comparisons of the different brands of T5 bulbs and if there are any significant differences between brands.

[rtparty]

There are major differences between brands. Generally thhe cheaper the bulb, the worse it is. But it isn't really true that the more expensive it is, the better it is.

For example, Geisemann and and KZ bulbs are ridiculously overpriced and their PAR doesn't really compete with ATI bulbs. I would bet KZ is extremely close (ATI and KZ are both made by Sylvania) but is KZ worth $10/bulb more? Why is KZ so much more expensive than ATI? Simply, to pad the pockets of the company. You think Sylvania is charging KZ more to make their bulbs? I doubt ATI has that large of orders that Sylvania drastically lowers the pricing for them.

Wave Point and Coralife are some of the bottom line bulbs IMO. A guy on a local forum said he tested the Wave Point bulbs after about 4 months of use and the PAR was terrible on them. I really wish I had the numbers for the test but he didn't record them.

I have heard that some of the Wave Point bulbs have a nice color to them but if you need the PAR, stay away from them.

ATI is by far the best bang for your buck bulb on the market.