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The actual tube is comparable in efficiency in terms of total light energy output compared to power utilized. The difference in "usable" efficiency comes from the shape.
PC lights are bent in a "U" shape. This has several implications:
- One half of the bulb is in the shadow of the other half of the bulb, over a pretty big cross section.
- Light leaving one bulb that hits a reflector has a pretty good chance of hitting the other side.
T5 lighting doesn't have any of the first problem, and the second is significantly reduced because of the smaller total cross section of the bulb. In essence, less light is "wasted" illuminating other parts of the bulb itself, and more light hits the intended target -- your corals.
Individual reflectors are imperative for optimal efficiency of T5s.
Dan
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