Does 400W of T5 = 400W of T12 VHO's

Phyto · 10/19/2006, 02:09 PM

I am thinking about flourescent bulbs for my 120 instead of two hot 250 MH's. My question is, should I go with 400 watts of T5's or VHO's? Is there much of a difference for my corals. I am concerned with my veiwing pleasure secondly.
My question is assuming each setup is near identical as far as ballast and bulbs brand name.

Amphiprion · 10/19/2006, 02:17 PM

No, it is not really the same. I can't give you efficiency curves, numbers, etc. (though I know they are around here somewhere), but I can tell you that they are more efficient in their light output per watt of energy input. In other words, an equivalent wattage input of T5 fluorescent will be measurably (and, in most cases) noticeably brighter.

Ti · 10/19/2006, 03:04 PM

apples and oranges.

Shawnts106 · 10/19/2006, 03:21 PM

I agree about the apples and Oranges, and #'s

the SIMPLEST way to put it is:

400watts of T5HO's = I would say, NOT BASED ON ANY SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND NOT BASED ON STUDIES = roughly IF T5's have their own reflectors, 1200 watts of vho's

The T5's, if put in their own reflectors are about 3 times brighter than URI VHO's IME/IMO.

I have both VHO's and T5's on my tank, the VHO's are UVL(URI)

If you are wanting to choose between VHO's and T5's... I would choose the T5's.

Plus the T5's produce a bluer, nice, crisp light VS a purpleish look...

once again,

apples and oranges. #'s and whatnot...

its not comparable.

Ryan009 · 10/20/2006, 09:04 PM

Not to hijack this thread - but I'm researching lighting for a new 210G. Will 400W T5 be as good for a reef tank as 400W of MH?

Shawnts106 · 10/20/2006, 09:21 PM

I have a 210gallon thats not setup yet...

I wouldnt say per wattage, that T5's = Halides...

It also depends on the bulb your going to use... or should I say Bulbs...

aninjaatemyshoe · 10/20/2006, 10:50 PM

I don't pretend to be an expert at this, but I'd guess that T-5s should have more light output/watt. My basis for this is simply a comparison of how much heat is generated by each. MH=hell of a lot of heat that can singe your skin in a half-second. T-5s generate a great deal less heat. So... for the same watt usage, the T-5 must therefore generate more light. Now, differences in the quality of the light will also depend on how focused the light is and the wavelength. Personally I hate the heat generation of MH, it is a huge waste of energy. If you could create a reef tank with more efficient light, the better for all.

The Grim Reefer · 10/20/2006, 11:02 PM

My best guess is

It depends.

If you use Lumenarc reflectors and run 175 watt 15K Iwasakis on Ice Cap ballasts you get wicked bright light. Good for over double the PAR of a 6x54 Tek light on a 20" deep tank.

VisionQuest27 · 10/21/2006, 02:52 PM

I think the t5's are the way to go personally. I think the light output would be better, and bulbs will last longer. And if nothing else...they will run much cooler.

10/19/2006, 02:09 PM	#1
Phyto Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: STL area Posts: 281	Does 400W of T5 = 400W of T12 VHO's I am thinking about flourescent bulbs for my 120 instead of two hot 250 MH's. My question is, should I go with 400 watts of T5's or VHO's? Is there much of a difference for my corals. I am concerned with my veiwing pleasure secondly. My question is assuming each setup is near identical as far as ballast and bulbs brand name.

10/19/2006, 02:17 PM	#2
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	No, it is not really the same. I can't give you efficiency curves, numbers, etc. (though I know they are around here somewhere), but I can tell you that they are more efficient in their light output per watt of energy input. In other words, an equivalent wattage input of T5 fluorescent will be measurably (and, in most cases) noticeably brighter. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

10/19/2006, 03:04 PM	#3
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	apples and oranges. __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

10/19/2006, 03:21 PM	#4
Shawnts106 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,436	I agree about the apples and Oranges, and #'s the SIMPLEST way to put it is: 400watts of T5HO's = I would say, NOT BASED ON ANY SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND NOT BASED ON STUDIES = roughly IF T5's have their own reflectors, 1200 watts of vho's The T5's, if put in their own reflectors are about 3 times brighter than URI VHO's IME/IMO. I have both VHO's and T5's on my tank, the VHO's are UVL(URI) If you are wanting to choose between VHO's and T5's... I would choose the T5's. Plus the T5's produce a bluer, nice, crisp light VS a purpleish look... once again, apples and oranges. #'s and whatnot... its not comparable. __________________ Love yourself! NO MATTER WHAT! Current Tank Info: Currently out of the hobby

10/20/2006, 09:21 PM	#6
Shawnts106 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,436	I have a 210gallon thats not setup yet... I wouldnt say per wattage, that T5's = Halides... It also depends on the bulb your going to use... or should I say Bulbs... __________________ Love yourself! NO MATTER WHAT! Current Tank Info: Currently out of the hobby

10/20/2006, 09:04 PM	#5
Ryan009 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West Bend, WI Posts: 433	Not to hijack this thread - but I'm researching lighting for a new 210G. Will 400W T5 be as good for a reef tank as 400W of MH?

10/20/2006, 10:50 PM	#7
aninjaatemyshoe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,333	I don't pretend to be an expert at this, but I'd guess that T-5s should have more light output/watt. My basis for this is simply a comparison of how much heat is generated by each. MH=hell of a lot of heat that can singe your skin in a half-second. T-5s generate a great deal less heat. So... for the same watt usage, the T-5 must therefore generate more light. Now, differences in the quality of the light will also depend on how focused the light is and the wavelength. Personally I hate the heat generation of MH, it is a huge waste of energy. If you could create a reef tank with more efficient light, the better for all.

10/20/2006, 11:02 PM	#8
The Grim Reefer Ready for some NOBALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kingman Az Posts: 25,259	My best guess is It depends. If you use Lumenarc reflectors and run 175 watt 15K Iwasakis on Ice Cap ballasts you get wicked bright light. Good for over double the PAR of a 6x54 Tek light on a 20" deep tank. __________________ America, the way it outta be! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire with Illudium Q-288 Photon Regurgitator DIY LED lighting

10/21/2006, 02:52 PM	#9
VisionQuest27 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 55	I think the t5's are the way to go personally. I think the light output would be better, and bulbs will last longer. And if nothing else...they will run much cooler.