T5 Upgrade from PC or not?

[Ohmsford]

I have been reading various information on T5 lighting and still have some questions.

I have a 50 gallon reef tank (36" long) with 1-96W PC 10,000k and 1-96W PC Actinic 03, for roughly ~4W/gallon. The bulbs are about 11 months old and the Actinic is seriously in need of replacement.

After reading the virtues of T5 lighting, would it be more worth switching my lighting to T5 than buying 2 new PC bulbs (should run about $80)? If so, how many bulbs or watts would I need to get the same light intensity as 2-96W PC bulbs. I have not seen a direct Watt/lumen comparison between PC and T5 lighting. Additionally, does T5 only compare to PC or MH for that matter if they are overdriven by different ballasts? If so, what would the wattage, manufacturer, and ballast recommendations be for my tank? The hood could be reused as it is a DIY kit from AH Supply.

The PC configuration has been fine for my needs, but I have only tried to keep a few LPS corals. The tank currently has only 2 corals, but I would love to start restocking soon and even venture into SPS corals if the lighting is right. I would definately spend more than the cost of replacing the PC bulbs if the price/improvement ratio is high enough.

 

[spaulr]

I have a 40 gallon (3ft) running 2 39w T5s and 1 150w 10k metal halide pendant. I would get at least 4 T5 bulbs. If you're going into SPS, I would not recommend using only T5s. I would get a 150w halide pendant as well. It puts out plenty of light for a 3ft tank(unless you are doing something like clam and SPS only - then I'd get 2 150s or 2 250s). I put my high light demand corals (SPS) in the center/center left/center right and the lower light corals (shrooms, LPS) tapering out to the sides. I think the maintenance cost and power cost will be definitely cheaper than PCs.

 

[trido]

I voted for the upgrade. I have the same fixture on MY 30G and want more wattage. I dont like the color of PC actinic. Also, You may want consider going with a VHO retro fixture..