New lighting for a 90 gallon

[BryanR73]

I just upgraded my 55 gallon tank to a new 90 gallon. I am about to sell my old setup and I am looking for a new light for the 90. On my 55 gallon I had a Coralife 48" T-5 dual, which had 2-28 watt bulbs. Not enough light for the 90. I am debating between a few different options all in 48" size. It is a Malawi Cichlid tank with some live plants.

They are:
The Coralife Aqualight Double Compact Flourescent
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13733&N=2004+11334 5

The Coralife Lunar Aqualight Compact Flourescent
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12109&N=2004+11334 5

The Current Nova Extreme T-5 W/Lunar Lights
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&N=2004+11317 5

The Marineland T-5 Deluxe Strip Light
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=16771&N=2004+11317 5

Which would be better the compact flourescents or the T-5's? The T-5s are supposed to last for over 18 months and are cheaper to replace than the compact flourescents.

Also, I already have 4 of the Current Blue Lunar Lights setup and I am very happy with them. You can see them in the pics of my tank. I know the Current Nova Extreme comes with white which I would not bother to use.

Also, since I like the blue lunar lights I know the Coralife comes with them built in, but can anyone confirm if it has 3 or 4? I have seen conflicting information on the web. If it had 4 that would not be a bad all in one solution.

Please help, I need to make a decision soon and I tend to procrastinate.

 

[BryanR73]

I just sold my 55 gallon and now I am under the gun to get the new light. Can someone please offer me some advice on this? I would like to get one ordered as soon as possible. Thanks in advance.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I personally like the HO T5's. When compared to the PCs they have much much better intensity and depth, not to mention they are cheaper to replace and last longer. You also have a LOT more bulb options if you want to mix and match for a more customized look.

The Nova Extreme fixture does come with the white LED's (which I really like!) that you can't turn off unless you unscrew them. You may be able to simply replace the white with blue, which would be nice.

If it were my tank, I'd go with the Nova Extreme HO T5.

 

[Agnate80700]

ill be looking at lighting soon too... would that T5 nova extreme allow choice of any coral/clam? or are there some still out of reach with this fixture?

(sorry for derailment lol)