PC's have a higher output. More bang for your buck. Better par (photosynthetically active radiation) and more lumens (an easier more reliable way of measuring light). Normal output (NO) lights are allright for fish only or shallow softy tanks... some people even do ok with some LPS corals right at the top, but I would compare NO lights to an overcast day and PC's or VHO's (Very High Output)to a hazy day. Then you have your Metal Halides which are full sun, which give you the sweet glitter lines. So, it depends on the application you are using them for.
PC's and VHO's actually require different ballasts to run than a NO. PC's also require a different socket configuration. There are two pin bulbs, four pin bulbs, four pin straights, four pin squares, etc. So, they won't actually fit in where a NO bulb would even if they ran on the same ballast.
If you are looking for a way to add more light without forking out a lot of dough, you could try the screw in base PC's. They fit into a normal bulb socket that you find in your house. So, you could try to wire something up yourself if your handy, buy the 23 or 25 watt 6500K screw in PC's from HD for $8 and then, voila... a cheap way of having more intense light. Run a couple of actinics and your laughing. HTH
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