Change from PC to t5'S? Please help

[askwines]

I'm currently running 2- 36" ixtures- 2-2x96w bulbs in each.
Total of 384w. This is a 55gal with GBTA's and soft corals
Each lamp has 1- 10,000k and 1 Actinic.

What is the equivalent wattage/ setup for a T-5 fixture.

Is 384w in a PC fixture the same as 384W in a T-5 or do you need less wattage?
This seems to be the confusing issue for me.
I see people recommending 4-54W T-5's for a 55g.
Wouldn't I need 6 or 8 54w t-5's?

Thanks

Alan

[moprint]

A Tek 4 bulb fixture will be fine for your setup. Check out the t-5 q&a thread by The Grimreefer. He will stear you in the right direction.

[JediReefer]

T5HO are more efficient at delivering PAR, especially in the case of using INDIVIDUAL reflectors. You would only need a 4 bulb setup.

[askwines]

So a 4 x54w T-5 is equivalent to 384w PC set up? or am Imissing something?
What if I want to add LPS, like a brain, etc.

[speeddemonlsr]

I have a 75 gallon with 4 t-5 bulbs overdriven and I have sps up top, lps, and softies at the bottom. I dont have a problem.

[speeddemonlsr]

Double post sorry.

[askwines]

After looking at the different fixtures available.
it seems you cannot get a 36", 4x 54w unit.
so do i go to a 36" - 6 x39w fixture?

I still don't get how either one would be comparable to 396w of PC lighting!

[moprint]

What are the dimensions of your tank? Is it a standard 55 gallon? If you are looking at the Tek fixtures a 6x39w fixture will be better then 396w of PC.

[askwines]

The tank is
36"L x 18" W x 21 1/2" D

[moprint]

Ok I was thinking it was a 48" wide tank. Being 18" wide I would get the 6 bulb Tek reefgeek has it for $430 with bulbs. Or if you can afford they have the ATI Powermodule 6 bulb fixture for $740 with bulbs. The ATI is the better fixture but the Tek would work for you.

[askwines]

Thanks