vho

[beagleton]

i'm confused with all the fluorescent lighting terminology. What is the difference between T5 HO and T5 VHO or T12 VHO for that matter, and what is compact fluprescent. wich of these lights is the most powerfull in terms of lumens and wich is most appropriate for sw tank use?[/code]

[cpreefguy]

As far as I know, the wattage is the difference. T5 bulbs are thinner and less wattage, T12 are thicker and have more wattage. VHO and T5 are both equally suited for SW use, although you would need more T5's to equal the same number of T12 VHO's. In my opinion, just run T12 VHO's, thats what I did.

[GaryP]

T5's have some advantages over T12s. They are more energy efficient because of their reflectors. T12s are hard to use a reflector with because of their size. They have a sort of built in reflector in the bulb. T5s are supposed to last longer than T12s. Depending on who you talk to T5 need to be replaced every 1-2 yrs. T12s should be replaced every 6 months.

All of them can be used for SW. It just depends on what you are trying to do with the tank. It all comes down to lumens and watts.