Had both "normal" and Power Compact types.

PC tubes are just so damn fragile. I had more than one
simply "pop" within a few hours of installation, all on its
own. My LFS is good about it, but still a 20 minute drive.

PC tubes "burn", and do it fast. I had to wait for a BO to
come in last time I replaced my 50/50 tubes. Took one home,
3 weeks later I got the other. The comparison was
remarkable. The 3 week old tube looked damn near black in
comparison. That, as they say, was the end of that.

I now use an Ice Cap and URI tubes on both tanks. They
don't darken nearly so fast, last about 2 years, and are far
less fragile. Savings on tubes/year have paid for the
high-priced ballast many times over.

So, I'd go with the triple tube, and replace the ballast -
day 1.

****************************************

wrote:
I am thinking of upgrading my lighting system and see two choices.

1. All-Glass triple tube fluorescent strip at 40watts per bulb for a
total of 120watts.

2. All-Glass High Output Compact fluorescent double 2x55watt for a
total of 110watts

The cost of the assembly for (1) is cheaper at about $100, relative to
around $130 for (2). The bulbs for (1) are around $9.00 and must be
replaced every 6 months to a year.

One, I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about preferences for
one or the other ? In terms of output, costs ?

Does anyone have info on the cost of the bulbs for (2) and how often
they need to be replaced ?

Much thanks