Switch from T5 to VHO?

[SoFloReefer]

Right now I'm running 4x 39 watt (36") T5s with a single reflector. I'm considering upgrading to 4x 96 watt VHOs running on a IceCap 660 electronic ballast. I was wondering if there are any disadvantages with VHO compared to T5 with respect to heat generated or usable bulb life. If I go VHO I will use a separate reflector for each bulb and was wondering what a good choice for reflectors is. My tank is mostly SPS which is why I am interested in the upgrade. I can probably sell my fixture for about 150 so I figure I will be paying $200 for the upgrade. Also would it be a better deal to put together a retrofit kit or buy an assembled fixture? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[kodyboy]

why go backwards to vho, why not upgrade to more t5s with individual reflectors? That would be an improvement.

 

[SoFloReefer]

This is what I'm not clear on. If I Want much more light, why would going from T5 to VHO be "going backwards" when VHO are much higher watts?

 

[djcerna]

That's the point, wattage is not a measurement of PAR. Single T5 with it's own reflector will out put a VHO . If you add four reflectors you can have more useful PAR directed into the tank. Relfectors for VHO are not that effiencent.
DAvid

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10643756#post10643756 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SoFloReefer
This is what I'm not clear on. If I Want much more light, why would going from T5 to VHO be "going backwards" when VHO are much higher watts?

Because VHO are significantly less efficient than T5HO.

A single T5HO tube at 39w puts out more light than a 95w VHO bulb.

So you'll be gettign roughly 3 times the heat, three times the electricity, and less light.



Theres NOTHING you can't keep in a 46 bow with 4x39w T5HO with individual reflectors.

 

[oct2274]

the life of T5 bulbs is also atleast 2x the useful life of VHO bulbs as well.

 

[danskim]

Upgrade your T5 system...

Aquactinics fixture: http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/ca...ce64ab614d162ea

TekLight with bulbs:
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...-Output_Fixture_with_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply

FaunaMarin UltraSolaris:
http://www.aquariumobsessed.com/mm5...&Product_Code=FM-USOL4x54&Category_Code=FM-LX

 

[fl_izzy]

i have 2x 48" t5 HO with their own reflector under a 10" wide reflector with VHO's that have actinics. the t5's are 10k and the vho's are uri's super actinics. i think it is enough and my sps are doing fine so far but you must have separate reflectors for your t5's.

 

[gws3]

The only thing that VHO's are better for is actinic supplementation. The VHO actinics currently put out more pleasing light than the comparable T5. For everything else it seems as though T5 is definitely superior.

 

[fl_izzy]

also the t5's can go about 2 years with much lower wattage consumption but not output

 

[SoFloReefer]

Hey thanks for all the quick responses. I think I am going to buy 4 of the Tek T5 Parabolic Retrofit Reflectors from reefgeek since they are on sale for $10 each. The only issue is they are 2.125" X 4 = 8.5" wide and my nova extreme only has room for 5" maybe 6" so it looks like I am going to have to build a new enclosure for the lights. I have salt creep pretty bad because I run two maxijet mods and the surface is very agitated so I am going to have to have an acrylic cover. How much will this effect light output? Also any suggestion for what materials to use to build the new hood would be appreciated!

 

[SoFloReefer]

Just to let everyone know, I just finished retrofitting my 36" 156 watt Nova Extreme fixture to house the Reflectors. The difference with the individual reflectors is huge! I had to actually stretch the entire width of the fixture by 4 inches so that the reflectors would fit. This took way more work than I expected as I had to fabricated all the new parts from aluminum and steel. I think you will all be very impressed with the end result and those of you with this fixture (which I now realize is WAY overpriced for what it is) can use the pictures I will post as a guide. BTW- The fixture is powered by two SunPark ballasts which can be bought online for less than $20 each.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have never had the VHO URI super actinics... but I have a single 54W T5 Super R and it the thing is great. Much better than I had expected.

SoFlo, I think you will find that the IceCap Reflectors are better

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Going to VHO from T5, IMO is like downgrading your lighting. A T5 bulb will produce more lumens per watt than a VHO bulb.

I'd upgrade the T5 lighting to the FM fixture or Aquatinics Fixture.

 

[BeanAnimal]

It is not even the lumens per watt that makes the big difference.

The size of the bulb and the SLR reflector get a majority of the light down into the tank in a very small profile.

A VHO wastes MOST of the light output because it does not find its way into the tank and SLR reflectors would need to be over 6" wide. You could not get enough on the tank to do the bulbs justice.