Retro Lighting for 93 Gallon VHO or Power Compacts

[MikeyNYC]

Hello Everyone, I've been reading tons of material about the different lighting options out there, but I'm still undecided.

Basically here's what I'm considering. Funds are limited for this , so I figured that I would purchase a retro kit that can hold two VHO 110w Bulbs, or 4 X 96W bulbs. I'm having two MH moguls added, but won't be able to pickup the dual 250W ballast for a while.

The tank is 25" deep, and at the moment is a fowlr, but plan on incorporating coral, etc.

Which is better, VHO or Power Compacts?

[JamesJR]

I have used both PC and VHO. And I have run each in conjunction with Metal halides. I like VHO lighting way better than PC and am offering you my biased and unquantitative conclusions about them. When you run VHOs by themselves it brings out the color better in your corals, rocks and fish than PC does. Plus, I think the VHO actinic is better than the PC actinic. When you run them in conjunction with MHs you get one of the best combinations for growing corals and bringing out the best coloration in your tank.

If you decide to go with VHO go ahead and shell out the extra cash and get a ballast that can handle 4 110 bulbs and not two of them.
I have used ice-cap ballasts for about 8 years and not had any problems so I would recommenend one of theirs. I would buy the 660 and not the 440. I say this because if you are going to try reef before you get MH's 2 110 bulbs won't be strong enough for a tank 25 inches deep. Once you get the MH you could cut back to 2 VHO's if space is a factor. Better yet you could run 2 110s over the tank and run two smaller bulbs over a refugium or something. Just my opinion and others can feel free to disagree.
Run the 4 bulbs. If you are short on space when you get the

[neotekz]

i've use pc and don;t like it, bulbs are too expensive. have u looked at T5s? they are better than both vho and pc and cheaper too. u can run just t5s until u decide to add corals and then u can just put on the mhs

[Steven Pro]

I agree with JamesJR. I much prefer VHO to PC.

[newreefbishop]

Well, Im in the minority, I have 4 96 watt PC's and getting good growth and great colors, alot depends on the bulbs you use, as for me I use coralife. In any case I have a couple things that will help you on your way. T-5s are even better than VHO and PC's. If you have bulbs and all you need is ballasts, you may want to look at this http://ballastwise.com/category.asp?FID=17&level=1
There are industrial electronic ballasts, that work just fine for home use...low heat low cost....5 year warranty.....30 day money back garuntee, and most people arent aware of em but they have been around for awhile, its one of my best kept secrets. You get comparable results to most major ballast makers. A couple folks in my reef club have ordered em, and have them in use with great results, and my brother personally has them also with great results. I have ballasts but no bulbs yet. I plan on running two 150 MH with 300 + pc's, even though Im getting great growth from my pc's I believe the halides will make my tank look even better. Anyway just my two cents sorry for the ramble.

[Galloyien]

I've run 175w MH's, PC's, and T5's in the past 11 years. Although I've made a lot of stupid mistakes, so my advise is limited, I like the T5's the best. The MH's get hot. The PC's were ok but I like the T5's better and they last a lot longer.

Guess I am trying to be conservative and get the best from what I can afford. I have 6 T5's over my 90g right now and really like the look. Just wish I'd gone with a retro instead of a hood... my top doesn't fit with the hood. Future DIY for me.

[MikeyNYC]

Is it the general consesus that t5's are better than VHO's and CF?

I see that t5's have a lower wattage rating, do they penetrate deeper into the tank?

Again, price is a consideration, and I'm looking to slowly bring the lighting system up to speed with the MH's later down the line, I do not intend on bringing coral's and inverts into the tank until later on down the line, probably at the same time as the MH's.

I understand that Fowlr tanks don't really require much as far lighting goes, trying to make moves that will prevent me from having to purchase new equipment down the line.

[neotekz]

if your tank is fowlr and u want a low cost solution that u will be able to use later get a retro T5 kit and make your own hood. u will only need 2 54w t5s will give u enough light. T5s penetrate deeper than PCs, i think VHOs too but i;m not sure as i've never use them. then u can add MHs when u get corals. also get a reflector that can have both t5s and mh. i suggest pfo parallels.
also replacement cost for T5s bulbs are less than half of vho and pcs

[Divetime]

I've been debating also about new lights for my 55 gal & I would have to suggest t5s. Here is a link to the thread that I have been following for a while. They are pretty good about answering your questions & making recomendations. T5's Q&A Thread

I started with a FOWLR and 110 W PC. From my understanding with a right amount of T5's you can keep anything you like and add MH's for preference. Aslo easy to add addional bulbs if upgrading.

Happy Reefin

[Amphiprionocellaris]

T-5s penetrate deeper per watt, but a single VHO bulb is more powerful than a single T-5 bulb. Of course, the advantage of T-5 is that you can get many more bulbs in the same space and price as a VHO (4-bulb) setup, so they end up being more powerful all together.