Replacing VHO with T-5 how many do i need?

[ltimberl]

Our current lighting consists of 9 VHO URI 135 watt lights. (4 actintic, 5 actintic white) and 520 watts of compact fluorescent (half and half bulbs). The hood for the VHO is home made with mylar as the reflector.

The tank measures 96"L x x30"D x 24"T. The lights are approximatly 18" above the tank (to allow us access to clean).

From what I can tell the tank is happy, and not suffering from not enough light.

We plan on replacing the VHO with two of Current's 48" 8 light (54watt) fixture. Plan to keep the compact fluorescent.

Questions -

Enough light? Can I use just the T-5's with out the CF fixtures?

 

[virginiadiver69]

I am not familiar with the fixture. Does it have individual reflectors?
By the way...you have the tank I will be spending the next 6-8 months dreaming of.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Skip the Current unit and get something with individual reflectors (ATI, SLS, Aquatinics). Anywhere between 12 and 16 48" bulbs should be good. Your best bet is probably to build a canopy and get retrofits from Icecap or SLS.

 

[reefergeorge]

I would go with either retro with icecaps and overdrive them. Or two of the tek eight lamp setups.