Vho vs. T5ho

GrimReefer82 · 02/10/2010, 12:49 PM

OK, I am trying to choose between vho's and t5's. The only reason I am considering vho's is because I have some friends that I can get the end caps from for almost nothing. Do vho's have built in reflectors like I have heard? The other reason is that vho's are available in 6 ft length and t5's are not. Can I keep clams and sps under vho's? Will 4 160 watt vho's be enough for my 125? What spectrums are available?

I appreciate any help on this subject

nanokeeper · 02/10/2010, 01:18 PM

You should talk to the original Grim Reefer.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...06461&page=156

rtparty · 02/10/2010, 01:29 PM

T5's are much better than VHO in terms of performance and what you can keep. I would bet you would have a tough time keeping anything too light demanding under only 4 VHO bulbs.

If you are talking actinics though then VHO has the upper hand. Other than that T5's win out in every other category.

kirtdog · 02/10/2010, 02:45 PM

i currently have 6 VHO's on my 75 and I am told that I will be able to keep anything. That advice came from a very respected source when it comes to lighting. Do some research and you will see some very nice tanks lit by T12 VHO bulbs. I may change 4 of mine to t5 just because I have the encaps to do it but I am happy with the VHO and all of my corals (including the SPS recently added) are doing great. Use the VHO until you can afford something else if necessary. Plus, remember before there were t5, mh, led, etc.....VHO was the standard. It may be old school but it will work.

02/10/2010, 12:49 PM	#1
GrimReefer82 Roll Tide!!! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 341	Vho vs. T5ho OK, I am trying to choose between vho's and t5's. The only reason I am considering vho's is because I have some friends that I can get the end caps from for almost nothing. Do vho's have built in reflectors like I have heard? The other reason is that vho's are available in 6 ft length and t5's are not. Can I keep clams and sps under vho's? Will 4 160 watt vho's be enough for my 125? What spectrums are available? I appreciate any help on this subject __________________ ~Chris~ Current Tank Info: 40 breeder mixed reef

02/10/2010, 01:29 PM	#3
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	T5's are much better than VHO in terms of performance and what you can keep. I would bet you would have a tough time keeping anything too light demanding under only 4 VHO bulbs. If you are talking actinics though then VHO has the upper hand. Other than that T5's win out in every other category. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

02/10/2010, 01:18 PM	#2
nanokeeper Obsessed Reefer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 322	You should talk to the original Grim Reefer. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...06461&page=156

02/10/2010, 02:45 PM	#4
kirtdog Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: State College PA USA Posts: 251	i currently have 6 VHO's on my 75 and I am told that I will be able to keep anything. That advice came from a very respected source when it comes to lighting. Do some research and you will see some very nice tanks lit by T12 VHO bulbs. I may change 4 of mine to t5 just because I have the encaps to do it but I am happy with the VHO and all of my corals (including the SPS recently added) are doing great. Use the VHO until you can afford something else if necessary. Plus, remember before there were t5, mh, led, etc.....VHO was the standard. It may be old school but it will work.