Ok I need some help, but...

[twkenny]

LOL...VHO is a T12 size bulb. VHO stands for Very High Output, but there are no HO T12's. VHO has been around a long time.
In order of intensity...(generally speaking):
Metal Halide
T5HO (although there is arguments saying they are better than some NH)
VHO
Power Compact (PC)
NO (Normal Output

There are some other lighting options, but these are the most common.

To answer your question, T5HO (mostly just called T5 in the hobby) are (in my opinion) better than VHO.

 

[fours2many]

one last question!! I promise!!!!

one last question!! I promise!!!!

I promise!!!!

Looking at reefgeek.com. They don't include all of the bulbs needed for the light.

So which light bulbs should I get

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/category_indexes/1-15_lighting_bulbs_-_t5_fluorescent.html

Thanks!!

 

[Catharsis70]

Is the strip light you have a twin tube and what brand? For a short run All-Glass brand twin tube had Fulham Workhorse5 ballasts in them. If you are lucky enough to have one of those you can run two T5HO with it. The reflector isnt the greatest but it isnt the worst either. Open i tup and see what you have.

 

[fours2many]

OK, I lied!!!

OK, I lied!!!

One more question!!!!!

Well, the 55 isn't what we got!!! After all this!
We got a 75 gallon.
48" X 18" deep X 20" high

will a teck 4 bulb be ok or would you recomend going with the teck 6 bulb???

 

[BLockamon]

As a first cut, I'd recommend 1 Daylight (6,500K), 1 11,000K, and 2 Actinic/Blue Plus.

 

[BLockamon]

Get the 6-bulb. Buy is right and but it once. Trust me, you'll save money in the long run.

 

[BLockamon]

Sorry, fingers faster than brain: Buy it right and buy it once.

 

[fours2many]

So, If I go with the

So, If I go with the

6 bulb, Which do I get?

at reefgeek, I will get :

receive 3 free 6500K Daylight bulbs (GE or Philips)

What should the other bulbs be?

Thanks,Kristin

 

[fours2many]

bump

bump

waiting for a reply. Then I will place my order

How is antic+
aquablue plus
pure antic
aquablue plus
pure antic
actinic

 

[twkenny]

Kristin,

T5HO actinics are not very good.
What color are you looking for your tank to appear?

 

[fours2many]

I have no idea!!

I have no idea!!

Normal, something that will show off the colors of the corals too. Hey, so far you all have pointed me in the right direction. All I know is the lights come with 3 free 6500K Daylight bulbs (GE or Philips). I have no idea what else to buy.

 

[BLockamon]

Reefgeek recommends 1 Daylight, 2 Aquablue (11,000K), and 3 Blue+. I'd start with that and keep the other 2 daylights as spare for now. If that's a little too blue for you, swap one aquablue with another daylight.

 

[tha_reids]

I would recommend the 4 x 56w TEK if money is a concern.
Not because I have one but because I believe it is enough light.
Placement of corals can help. My tank is 20" tall, lights 3" above tank (made my own brackets...see gallery), I still have to make good use of shade. I have only begun to stock but do have a Sebae anemone down low in the sand. It colored up and is doing great. Was bleached white when I got him.
I'm running 2 blue+, 1 aquablue, 1 sun.
My entire tank is based on European tanks which are very efficient. Teks are very efficient and I'm sure you will be happy with the 4 or 6 lamp model.

HTH