T-5 Q

[leaffish75]

I'm currently running vhos. I have experimented with bulb type and my first combo of 50/50 and actincs disapointed me so i switched to 1 10k and 3 actincs. I have had great growth of every thing including my montis. I have been curious about the T-5s because I have seen some nice sps tanks with T-5 only. Of course the cost is great. .I think i can run two actinc vhos and 2 10K t-5s off the same ballast so thats an option. I was curious because i was told i could convert my setup to a T-5 setup with out getting a new ballast. I think i will be a work horse ballast and work from the ground up on building this system. I think i can do 4 bulbs with a single workhorse 7. So ill do a work horse 7 and a workhorse 3 to give me a extra pair of bulbs.

[brewercm]

I was just looking at this site and their products for T5 and they sell the IC 660 and 430 as T5 ballasts. Guess that answers my question, what really cool is they have the 60 inch versions which is what I'd want to go with.

http://www.innovativelights.com/

[Polkster13]

Just to be clear, a Workhorse 5 ballast will do up to two 54 watt (48" HO bulbs). A Workhorse 7 ballast will do either four 54 watt (48" HO bulbs) or two 80 watt (60" HO bulbs).

Make sure the Workhorse 3 will run the bulbs (total wattage) that you are trying to run. Let me know if you have any specific questions regarding Workhorse ballasts or how to wire them up.

The best reflector is from Sunlight Supply. They do not sell to the general public.

I am a retailer/reseller and my retro kits use Workhorse ballasts, Sunlight Supply reflectors, CoralVue T-5 HO bulbs (of your choice), CoralVue standoffs and waterproof endcaps.

You can also use the Icecap 660 ballast to run the T-5 bulbs as well. If you are interested in getting everything except for the ballast, let me know and I will work out something for you.

[brewercm]

OK, so here's my question.
Will two 4 foot T5 actinics give more output than my two 4' VHO's that I'm currently using?
I'd probably go with the 5', but just wanted to know if T5's have more output per bulb than VHO bulbs.

[Polkster13]

That all depends on the reflectors you are using with the bulb. I have used both and I really like the light output I am getting with the Sunlight Supply reflectors and the T-5 bulbs. Now my VHO bulbs were using just a white plastic reflector so I am sure that was a factor. The main reason I changed over to mainly T-5 bulbs is they cost less to run in both electricity and don't have to be changed as often. Of course, your mileage may vary.

I have both setup's at home and will be more than happy for you to come by and compare the two.