VHO or T5's?

[jroescher]

Is it worth changing to T5's? Will I actually see a difference?

I have two 48" 110w URI VHO actinic lights supplementing 250w metal halides. The VHO's are driven by a pair of Fulham Work Horse Fluorescent Electronic Ballasts #WH5-120-L

If I read the specs right, that ballast will also drive a 48" 54w T5 bulb. If so, the only thing needed to change to T5's is endcaps and bulbs.

My tank is 24" deep and the bulbs are about 6" above the waterline.

[SoLiD]

Boy did you open a "Can of Worms". I don't know if this is the answer you want, but I read that VHO's are the best for actinic lighting. I was going to set up a new light rack with VHO's for supplementation, but T5's are becoming more and more popular. I read that the par from T5's has a big deal to do with the reflectors and cooling the bulb. Check out this link and you will see a ton of T5 discussions.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=212

-David

[alton]

WH 5 will run 2 T5HO 54w Lamps. If you go to the Fulham website you will find the wiring diagram. I like the color of VHO also, just wish someone would come up with a T-8 VHO lamp versus the T-12.

[coraline79]

I have only seen VHO's on other tanks, but T5ho's are pretty nice. Only catch with T5's is you would probably want more than that. I would get 4. The color you get from t5 is awesome, I have had 4x36" on my 30 gallon tank as the primary light source, and now I have 2 48" supplimenting my MH setup on my 125.

[jroescher]

I've only been looking at specs, I haven't been reading posts. The problem is that there is too much information to sort through. It seems this is the Ford vs Chevy question.

When I built my lighting, MH's & VHO's were the popular setup. Then came PC's. Now T5's are the lastest greatest thing.

[mdavis735]

if you like the color of the vho's try t5 uvi super actinics.most people use the uvi super actinic vho's and these are very similar.they are made by the same company.i bought some and really am pleased with them.they really bring out the color of the corals

[jroescher]

I'm content with what I have, just wondering if it was worth the expense and effort to change. Would it be an upgrade?, improvement?

Very similar is not really an incentive.

[CoryDude]

Personally, I love VHO. But, each side has their positive/negative qualities.

But, I've noticed VHO is becoming more of a specialty item, as the popularity of t5's have increased. Most lfs have to order VHO bulbs, while they carry t5's in-stock. Eventually, VHO bulbs/fixtures are going to be pretty hard to find, IMO.