T5 vs VHO

Z-Man07 · 12/07/2006, 04:27 PM

I have been reading and trying to understand. I don't think that I am truly grasping it though.

Would someone be willing to give me a brief explanation on the differences, and pro's and con's of T5 and VHO's? Or is there a thread that I missed that you could link to, please?

Thank you,
Jay

JC VT · 12/07/2006, 05:18 PM

T-5's are slimmer, brighter, and will put much more light into the tank given they have a good reflector. Lots of bulbs to choose from

VHO's are tried and true. Most people report great color, and I have yet to see any lighting that comes close to what a VHO Super Actinic can do. Some say the T-5 SA's are just as good, but I've never seen one. VHO actinics are supposed to be able to last for 3 years before replacement.

Personally I like the color of VHO, so I plan on switching one of my T-5 out for a VHO, giving me 3 VHO and 1 T-5.

Z-Man07 · 12/07/2006, 05:47 PM

Thank you. I appreciate your answer. I really need to upgrade to something!!! My 2x40w NO flourescents are just not doing anything. (my own fault for not knowing what I was buying)

My tank is a standard 55g, approx. 48x12x18, with only twelve inches front to back. Can I do a two bulb retro of either T5 or VHO for now and get another two (or four?) bulbs later when my "reef allowance" goes up? I don't want to go SPS yet. So that is not a concern. My concern is that I am treating my current inhabitants well, and progressing.

Thanks,
Jay

JC VT · 12/07/2006, 06:04 PM

http://www.hellolights.com/2laaroasbaki.html

Here's an inexpensive 2 bulb VHO retro. I use the same ballast to run my 2 VHO's currently.

If you could though, I'd splurge on an Icecap 660 ballast and be done with it since it can run both T-5 and VHO, giving you greater options.

Z-Man07 · 12/07/2006, 06:15 PM

Thanks alot JC VT. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

Jay

JC VT · 12/07/2006, 06:33 PM

No problem

12/07/2006, 04:27 PM	#1
Z-Man07 Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Bern, NC Posts: 256	T5 vs VHO I have been reading and trying to understand. I don't think that I am truly grasping it though. Would someone be willing to give me a brief explanation on the differences, and pro's and con's of T5 and VHO's? Or is there a thread that I missed that you could link to, please? Thank you, Jay

12/07/2006, 05:18 PM	#2
JC VT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 579	T-5's are slimmer, brighter, and will put much more light into the tank given they have a good reflector. Lots of bulbs to choose from VHO's are tried and true. Most people report great color, and I have yet to see any lighting that comes close to what a VHO Super Actinic can do. Some say the T-5 SA's are just as good, but I've never seen one. VHO actinics are supposed to be able to last for 3 years before replacement. Personally I like the color of VHO, so I plan on switching one of my T-5 out for a VHO, giving me 3 VHO and 1 T-5. __________________ What ain't no country I ever heard of. They speak English in what?

12/07/2006, 05:47 PM	#3
Z-Man07 Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Bern, NC Posts: 256	Thank you. I appreciate your answer. I really need to upgrade to something!!! My 2x40w NO flourescents are just not doing anything. (my own fault for not knowing what I was buying) My tank is a standard 55g, approx. 48x12x18, with only twelve inches front to back. Can I do a two bulb retro of either T5 or VHO for now and get another two (or four?) bulbs later when my "reef allowance" goes up? I don't want to go SPS yet. So that is not a concern. My concern is that I am treating my current inhabitants well, and progressing. Thanks, Jay __________________ --> Jay Z.<-- Current Tank Info: What can I say... I have a tank, but there is no water in it!

12/07/2006, 06:04 PM	#4
JC VT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 579	http://www.hellolights.com/2laaroasbaki.html Here's an inexpensive 2 bulb VHO retro. I use the same ballast to run my 2 VHO's currently. If you could though, I'd splurge on an Icecap 660 ballast and be done with it since it can run both T-5 and VHO, giving you greater options. __________________ What ain't no country I ever heard of. They speak English in what?

12/07/2006, 06:15 PM	#5
Z-Man07 Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Bern, NC Posts: 256	Thanks alot JC VT. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. Jay __________________ --> Jay Z.<-- Current Tank Info: What can I say... I have a tank, but there is no water in it!

12/07/2006, 06:33 PM	#6
JC VT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 579	No problem __________________ What ain't no country I ever heard of. They speak English in what?