whats better 2x54W T5 or 4x34W T8

[Bad Inferno]

OK Juwel Aquarium now has a T5 option however they have cut down the number of lights in the tank

T8 = 4 x 34 watt lights

or

T5 = 2 x 54 watt lights

I am disappointed that going to T5 reduces the number of lights however which is better under this scenario ?

thanks

rob

[ILLUSN]

the biggest advantage t5 has over t8 is the thin tube width. to get the full benifit out of this you NEED a good parrabolic or gullwing reflector PER TUBE. being so thin the ammount of light restriking the tube is negligable. in such a configuration a 2x54w T5 is far better then a 4x34w t8.

if your t5 housing uses a single flat reflector for all tubes the 4x34w t8 (with flat reflector) will give you more light.

in either case t5's are more efficient, and last longer nthen t8's