Advise Needed: T-5 HO vs. Compact Fluorescent

[madgalaxy]

I am going to switch my 55g to a planted tank and need new lighting (currently I only have the stock fluorescent hood). These are the two lights I am considering:

Nova Extreme T5HO; 2x54 watts for $100 (not including s&h)

Aqualight Freshwater CF; 2x65 watts for $110 (shipped)

What is your opinion on T-5 HO vs. Compact Fluorescent? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[forrestcook]

IMO, T5 HO will give you more light output that a CF of the same size... I dont have anything to back it up, but I have both and like my T5 HO a lot more

 

[madgalaxy]

Thanks for the reply! I have been leaning toward the T5HO because it seems to be the latest and the way the industry was going. But I was hesitant because I have had good luck with CF.

I think I will get the T5HO!

 

[forrestcook]

also - ive read some articles on outputs between the two types of bulbs and T5 seems to hold it's intensity and spectrum a lot better than CF.