PC or VHO?

Insane Reefer

Insane Reefer

New member
OK - I know this has probably been posted time and again, but with search down, and google only helping some for searching RC, I'm going to ask, lol.

My LFS's all agree that if not using MH, that PC is the way to go. I plan to mainly keep softies, zoo's and a few LPS later on...

The tank is either going to be 16" or 18" tall (minus 3" sand). I was thinking 4x55/65... And speaking of 55/65, what gives on this? I see a lot of bulbs listed on ebay as 55/65w, can someone explain what this means?

Are PC's the way to go? Anything I should know in advance?

Your replies are appreciated...
 
your LFS is probably suggesting PC's because thats what they sell, thats how it is around here. they dont even sell VHO bulbs, much less the whole fixture, but they got plenty of PC bulbs. ive used both, and without a doubt the VHO's are better. IMO they have better color and penetrate deeper into the tank. theres not much difference in the color of the daylight (10K) bulbs, but the VHO actinics look much better. now im not saying PC lights suck, like some will im sure, but if had to pick VHO all the way. you might check out hellolights, there a sponsor here, and thats where i have bought all of my retrokits from.
 
Here is is the other way around - plenty of "normal" bulbs, but get a replacement? No way, lol.
Actually on shop has the coralife? fixtures, but for freshwater, but bulbs are special order...
 
I have owned both VHO and PC and have to say VHO by far (w/ URI bulbs). IMO they flouresce and brighten the tank the best. I don't have any experience w/ T5 so I can't comment on that.
 
I would vote for VHO or T5. I have not been impressed with Corallife bulbs/fixtures. For VHO URI bulbs are the only way to go. Not sure about brands of bulbs for T5's but getting the right bulbs typically makes a big difference.
hth, Chris
 
I still run pc on my freshwater tanks but converted my reef to T5. @ 54 watt T5s are brighter than 4 65 watt pcs and the color is better, The bulbs last twice as long also.
 
Ok...
You've given me something to think about...
In a nutshell, what is the difference between VHO and T5, besides needing a LOT of t5 for wattage equality?

And for the DIY'er, what ballasts besides like Icecap are there that are good? Like if I wanted to call a local electrical supply, what would I ask for? They always get cross-eyed when I come in looking for special app ballasts, :eek2:...

I'm looking around, and man - how many t5's would one need to light a tank? My tank will be either 30" or 36", and according to the hood specs I can find, a 36" bulb doesn't actually fit over a tank - it hangs off a bit?, so I would have to use 30" bulbs. At 18watts, how many of these am I going to need? lol

Looks like for me, size will dictate and VHO might be the better choice...

Thanks!
 
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So no one is willing to give a bit of explaination on the differences in t5 vs vho? Someone just giving a brief breakdown would be cool. Also, if anyone can give idea's on ballasts other than the very pricy Icecaps would also be very appreciated...

Thanks!
 
There are a ton of threads about this...do a search when you can and read up. Here is a short version...

HO T5's are way more efficient. The small 5/8" diameter bulb allows them to use a parabolic reflector for each bulb which reflects all of the light into the tank. A 54W T5 puts more light into the tank than a 110W VHO.

The 36" kits are a bit shorter than 36" and are made to go over a 36" tank. The 36" bulbs are 39W. With a 30" tank, you would need to use 24" bulbs. There are no 30" bulbs.

Take a look here for some ideas.


SLS TEK T5 hoods

SLS Retro kits
 
SMJ, I'd love to seach (see first post), but every single time I hit search, I get "server load too high - try again or pay $ for a better chance", lol, and NEVER get a returned result. I have to use google to search the RC domain, and that takes longer to try to figure out if something is what you needed/wanted than it is worth.

I appreciate your reply. I'm just still trying to figure out how many t5's I'd need, if I go that way. - the whole 'more light/fewer watts' thing is confusing. I was planning on using 2 or 3 75w VHO's, and figure that would meet the requirements of all but the most finicky coral/clam, but am open to the idea of other options. Heck - when I first started all this, I planned on PC's - but have been easily convinced that I don't want to waste money on that...

Keep the replies coming!
Thanks!
 
Assuming a 36" tank 18" deep, a 4 x 39W T5 setup would allow you to keep pretty much anything.

I can do a search first thing in the morning east coast time.
 
In a effort to research things completely, I found these:
Nova Retrofits

Anyone know anything about these? These sound like a great way to get light over your tanks without going broke, especially since I don't have any clues on ballasts for t5...

Thanks for looking!
 
Hey - I was just reading, and is it true that VHO's have to be replaced every 4-5 months? What about T5's? Do they need frequent changing too?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7436648#post7436648 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Insane Reefer
In a effort to research things completely, I found these:
Nova Retrofits

Anyone know anything about these? These sound like a great way to get light over your tanks without going broke, especially since I don't have any clues on ballasts for t5...

Thanks for looking!
Click to expand...
I'd give those lights :thumbdown :thumbdown
 
If you are going to DIY look at the Fulham Ballasts. The Workhorse 5 or the Workhorse 7 may be what you need. You can fire either the PC's or the T5's with one. Look at their website for the spec's and wiring diagrams. They are very versitle.
Years ago Sanjay had a site on PC's. You can solder the wires directly and then water proof/resist with tool dip.
Or if you want actual connectors look at your LFS or on eBay.
 
I've decided against PC's - I think they just won't be "powerful" enough as my tank grows...

So I am still tossing between VHO and T5, but really leaning toward VHO, but am concerned about a rumor I read about VHO bulbs needing changing every 4-5 months, but then read elsewhere they can go up to 18 months without significant loss of "omph!"...

Also, in a local electrical supply search for a ballast, I was asked what VHO bulbs were - "T???" and I couldn't tell them - seems all the sites assume you know what size bulbs these are (not length but diameter "T"), lol.

So still confused, or maybe more so. Argh!
:confused:

But thanks for your replies, all!
 
VHO bulbs are size T-12
If you run a ice cap ballast your bulbs will last at least 12 months for actinic and 18 months for daylight bulbs. I switched from a retro PC set-up to a VHO and WOW...a big difference in color and apperance/growth in all of my corals. I say eighter go with VHO or T-5 lighting, skip PC all together.
Also, if you do with a ice cap 660 and go VHO, you can always switch to T-5 down the road using the same ballast, just switch out the bulbs and endcaps.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7438238#post7438238 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fish_Freek
VHO bulbs are size T-12
If you run a ice cap ballast your bulbs will last at least... you can always switch to T-5 down the road using the same ballast, just switch out the bulbs and endcaps.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info Freek!
Do you know if this is the case with the "Uri A4" ballasts?

Thanks!!!
 
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