Change from PC to t5'S? Please help
 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Double post sorry.

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!

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.

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

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.

Thanks