Lighting Change

IluvGod'sreefs · 07/12/2010, 09:46 AM

I'm considering changing from VHO's to Compact Fluorescent on my 55 reef. Anyone have any thoughts about this? I'd appreciate any and all feedback.
Thanks

zachfishman · 07/12/2010, 09:51 AM

What do you have now and what were you planning on switching to (bulb configuration-wise)? If you're looking to upgrade, I suggest diving in to T5s!

EDIT: and what are you currently growing /wish to grow?

IluvGod'sreefs · 07/12/2010, 09:55 AM

I have 220 watts of vho's. I found a 260 watt PC retrofit that I like. I have tried T5's before and did not have good luck with them.

IluvGod'sreefs · 07/12/2010, 09:57 AM

I have mostly softies and a candy cane coral.

zachfishman · 07/12/2010, 10:01 AM

I doubt you'll notice any difference between 260watts of PC vs 220 watts of VHO (which is plenty for a 55 BTW).

Out of curiosity, what T5 setup did you try on your 55? I assume it was a 4-bulb, did it have individual reflectors on each bulb (a near-necessity I hear). Also, did you use the stock bulbs that came with it or did you custom pick aftermarket bulbs? There's ton of discussion on this in the T5Q&A thread - it makes all the difference in both color output and PAR.

IluvGod'sreefs · 07/12/2010, 10:07 AM

It was Current USA fixture, and when I tried to change the bulbs the bulb sockets broke. I have had PC's before and just liked them better.

greech · 07/12/2010, 10:18 AM

I had PCs and went to T5's and never looked back. The bulb options you have with T5 is a huge plus and the par increase has allowed me to keep SPS. I have also pbserved better growth all around.

Most T5 sockets are on springs so you have to push them back, slide the bulb and when you twist it in the place the spring pops back to secure the bulb in place.

How much are you looking to spend on the PC fixture?

IluvGod'sreefs · 07/12/2010, 10:23 AM

About $200.00

IluvGod'sreefs · 07/12/2010, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the feedback Greech and zachfishman, I really appreciate it!

TheFishMan65 · 07/12/2010, 11:27 AM

Not on your list, but have you considered DIYing your LED rig. It might be more than $200, but you won't have to buy bulbs in a year. Having seen the color under some this weekend at a frag fest I am impressed. I was already going that route, but it just mad me happier.

greech · 07/12/2010, 12:07 PM

I don't want to sway you from getting a PC fixture if that is what you like but you can probably get a good T5 fixture from the selling forum for that or a little more (but worth it IMO).

07/12/2010, 09:46 AM	#1
IluvGod'sreefs Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Panhandle Posts: 148	Lighting Change I'm considering changing from VHO's to Compact Fluorescent on my 55 reef. Anyone have any thoughts about this? I'd appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks __________________ "Instead of telling God how big the storm is, tell the storm how big your God is." _________________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef

07/12/2010, 09:51 AM	#2
zachfishman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 3,577	What do you have now and what were you planning on switching to (bulb configuration-wise)? If you're looking to upgrade, I suggest diving in to T5s! EDIT: and what are you currently growing /wish to grow? __________________ Patience is a reefer's best tool. Secret Xenia lover. M.S. Marine Biology Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018 Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana

07/12/2010, 09:55 AM	#3
IluvGod'sreefs Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Panhandle Posts: 148	I have 220 watts of vho's. I found a 260 watt PC retrofit that I like. I have tried T5's before and did not have good luck with them. __________________ "Instead of telling God how big the storm is, tell the storm how big your God is." _________________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef

07/12/2010, 09:57 AM	#4
IluvGod'sreefs Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Panhandle Posts: 148	I have mostly softies and a candy cane coral. __________________ "Instead of telling God how big the storm is, tell the storm how big your God is." _________________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef

07/12/2010, 10:01 AM	#5
zachfishman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 3,577	I doubt you'll notice any difference between 260watts of PC vs 220 watts of VHO (which is plenty for a 55 BTW). Out of curiosity, what T5 setup did you try on your 55? I assume it was a 4-bulb, did it have individual reflectors on each bulb (a near-necessity I hear). Also, did you use the stock bulbs that came with it or did you custom pick aftermarket bulbs? There's ton of discussion on this in the T5Q&A thread - it makes all the difference in both color output and PAR. __________________ Patience is a reefer's best tool. Secret Xenia lover. M.S. Marine Biology Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018 Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana

07/12/2010, 10:07 AM	#6
IluvGod'sreefs Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Panhandle Posts: 148	It was Current USA fixture, and when I tried to change the bulbs the bulb sockets broke. I have had PC's before and just liked them better. __________________ "Instead of telling God how big the storm is, tell the storm how big your God is." _________________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef

07/12/2010, 10:18 AM	#7
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	I had PCs and went to T5's and never looked back. The bulb options you have with T5 is a huge plus and the par increase has allowed me to keep SPS. I have also pbserved better growth all around. Most T5 sockets are on springs so you have to push them back, slide the bulb and when you twist it in the place the spring pops back to secure the bulb in place. How much are you looking to spend on the PC fixture? __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

07/12/2010, 10:23 AM	#8
IluvGod'sreefs Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Panhandle Posts: 148	About $200.00 __________________ "Instead of telling God how big the storm is, tell the storm how big your God is." _________________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef

07/12/2010, 10:32 AM	#9
IluvGod'sreefs Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Panhandle Posts: 148	Thanks for the feedback Greech and zachfishman, I really appreciate it! __________________ "Instead of telling God how big the storm is, tell the storm how big your God is." _________________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef

07/12/2010, 11:27 AM	#10
TheFishMan65 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,618	Not on your list, but have you considered DIYing your LED rig. It might be more than $200, but you won't have to buy bulbs in a year. Having seen the color under some this weekend at a frag fest I am impressed. I was already going that route, but it just mad me happier.

07/12/2010, 12:07 PM	#11
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	I don't want to sway you from getting a PC fixture if that is what you like but you can probably get a good T5 fixture from the selling forum for that or a little more (but worth it IMO). __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

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