Which is better, VHO or CF???

cjpacitto · 01/13/2006, 08:21 PM

I've been trying to do my homework but haven't been finding the info I need. I am setting up a new 125gal. It will be fish and live rock only. I want to have reasonably good light to promote health and coraline algae growth, but I only have about $300 to work with right now. I'm looking at VHO and CF retro kits. I keep finding conflicting info, but to the best of my understanding, they produce a similar amount and quality of light but VHO bulbs last 6-12 months and CF bulbs last 12-18 months.

I'm really not sure on this and would appreciate any info. Is this correct or not? Any other thoughts on which are better and why?

drummer34 · 01/13/2006, 08:38 PM

For a fowler tank either would be a good choise. CF IMO are only good for 12 months as well. The bulbs on both run around the same price so it's really a matter of space and personal choise.

AZDesertRat · 01/13/2006, 08:59 PM

URI VHO super actinics have the best color there is, PC doesn't compare.

01/13/2006, 08:21 PM	#1
cjpacitto Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny Southwest Florida Posts: 1	Which is better, VHO or CF??? I've been trying to do my homework but haven't been finding the info I need. I am setting up a new 125gal. It will be fish and live rock only. I want to have reasonably good light to promote health and coraline algae growth, but I only have about $300 to work with right now. I'm looking at VHO and CF retro kits. I keep finding conflicting info, but to the best of my understanding, they produce a similar amount and quality of light but VHO bulbs last 6-12 months and CF bulbs last 12-18 months. I'm really not sure on this and would appreciate any info. Is this correct or not? Any other thoughts on which are better and why?

01/13/2006, 08:38 PM	#2
drummer34 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Deltona, Florida Posts: 60	For a fowler tank either would be a good choise. CF IMO are only good for 12 months as well. The bulbs on both run around the same price so it's really a matter of space and personal choise.

01/13/2006, 08:59 PM	#3
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	URI VHO super actinics have the best color there is, PC doesn't compare.