Reflectors necessary for VHO/T5 Actinics?

[bronck83]

I'd like to run 2 48" actinic bulbs along with my 250x2 MH's. I will be constructing a hood to house everything. How essential are reflectors for the actinic bulbs and which actinic bulbs put off the least amount of heat(vho/cf/t5)?

[Ed]

VERY essential with T5HO bulbs. Can really improve the amount of usable light reaching the tank. Probably also among the coolest running also.

[bronck83]

Is there some kind of order of heat output for different types of lighting systems? I know MH put off the most, but what is the order below that? I really want the least amount of heat possible out of my actinics because I think I'm already going to be running into heat issues with the 250x2 MH's over my 75 (with 30gal sump underneath) and I really want to avoid a chiller if at all possible.

[Fish4life]

stick with t5's to avoid the heat issue. you will need reflectors. stick to the good brands too, as the others are junk. Go with icecap reflectors or tek II reflectors.

cheers,

kurt

[erikharrison]

IceCap SLRs