If I buy a 6x54 T-5, how long will it take to save me money replacing a 4X65W PC

[MikeBrke]

I currently have a 4x65W PC fixture. I am wondering if buying a Tek T-5 6x54W fixture would save me money in the long run and how long it would take?

The reason I am wondering is because I need new lights for my PC's at about $130. Would it just be smarter to get the T-5 fixture for $500. Tha is a diffrence of $370. Do you think I would save money buying the T-5's since they are more energy efficient?

Or am I completely wrong? Ha ha, I have no idea!

[HelloLights]

Well Mike,

First of all the 6x54W fixture would be more wattage than what your current setup (4x65W) is consuming so you wouldn’t be saving as far as your electrical bill goes. Even beyond that, say you were using less wattage, it would be very hard to say how much you would save and how long it would take to make that $370 back over time. There are variables like photoperiod and the specific rates in your area that would make it impossible for us to tell.

One advantage you would have is that T5 lamps can be used for up to 24 months. Testing we’ve seen shows T5’s decline in spectrum very little over 24 months. So that is an added bonus for sure. So you would save that $130 at this time next year because you wouldn’t have to replace them for another year.

I would make the move. On your size of tank I think you will see much better results with T5. The light penetration with T5 will be much better.

HL