T-5 HO vs PC

[livingword26]

I am looking at a couple of lights on ebay for a 20 gallon long reef tank. One is a 30" 3 X 65 PC

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190263984829

And the other is a 4 X 24 T-5 HO with individual reflectors.

http://cgi.ebay.com/30-Aquarium-Light-T5-HO-4-x-24-NEW-Moon-Lunar-Reef_W0QQitemZ170267737231QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170267737231&_trkparms=72%3A1205|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The PC is almost twice the wattage, but I have heard that the T-5 HO could still be putting out more light. Any opinoins?

 

[Amphiprion]

The T5 fixture will definitely be brighter. I'd shoot for that. Please refer to this thread, which also discusses these exact same fixtures (only the one in the thread was longer) and what could be done to potentially improve them.

 

[livingword26]

Thanks

 

[Riiz]

T5s will almost always win out, because its far easier to get a good reflector behind the bulb. But if you buy anything pre-made make sure it has true individual reflectors, never assume.

 

[fsn77]

Definitely prefer T5 HO... Individual reflectors make T5 HO as good as it is. There's also a much wider variety of T5 HO bulbs than PC bulbs available, which allows one to tune the visual appearance of the tank more.