Heat with VHO vs T5?

causeofhim · 12/11/2006, 11:09 AM

I want to set up my tank with low evaporation and so want low heat with my lighting. So, I am curious, how different is the heat output between the VHo's and the T5s?
I have a 4 lamp VHO set-up now and I know they can get pretty warm in my canopy. Is it worth it to change to the T5s to cool it down? Would the PAR value be much different if I used good reflectors with the T5s?
Thanks

The Grim Reefer · 12/11/2006, 12:40 PM

More PAR and less heat with the T5's. Even overdriven the T5's will run a little cooler. If heat is a concern I would use 6 normally driven T5's with Ice Cap reflectors.

jda · 12/11/2006, 01:41 PM

The reflectors will matter. They make a huge difference. Without the good reflectors, I would just keep your VHOs.

T5s do get hot in a canopy. I don't have them side by side with VHO, but they seem to be about the same as I remember. I would still do fans.

12/11/2006, 11:09 AM	#1
causeofhim Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,379	Heat with VHO vs T5? I want to set up my tank with low evaporation and so want low heat with my lighting. So, I am curious, how different is the heat output between the VHo's and the T5s? I have a 4 lamp VHO set-up now and I know they can get pretty warm in my canopy. Is it worth it to change to the T5s to cool it down? Would the PAR value be much different if I used good reflectors with the T5s? Thanks

12/11/2006, 12:40 PM	#2
The Grim Reefer Ready for some NOBALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kingman Az Posts: 25,259	More PAR and less heat with the T5's. Even overdriven the T5's will run a little cooler. If heat is a concern I would use 6 normally driven T5's with Ice Cap reflectors. __________________ America, the way it outta be! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire with Illudium Q-288 Photon Regurgitator DIY LED lighting

12/11/2006, 01:41 PM	#3
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	The reflectors will matter. They make a huge difference. Without the good reflectors, I would just keep your VHOs. T5s do get hot in a canopy. I don't have them side by side with VHO, but they seem to be about the same as I remember. I would still do fans.