T-5 Vs Vho
- Thread starter Nu2SW
- Start date
loup
Premium Member
From what I learn, VHO are more use as supplement to MH. Though there's a thread here of VHO only system. Its not so much about wattage but more about depth penetration and the par output.
If this is use as a VHO or T5 only system, I would go with T5 for the fact of variety of bulbs selection, depth penetration and par output.
If this is use as a VHO or T5 only system, I would go with T5 for the fact of variety of bulbs selection, depth penetration and par output.
Nu2SW
New member
I read that VHOs are great to keep about anyhthing, but the depth level is limited, Like for SPS keep with in 18inches from the lamps. I got a 50g tank, Its only like 14inches High. So I think that would work out fine.
Par diferences I dont know. I have 260 PC fixture, I was thinking of either going all t-5 or vho or use my PC's and also ad t-5 or vho's.
Par diferences I dont know. I have 260 PC fixture, I was thinking of either going all t-5 or vho or use my PC's and also ad t-5 or vho's.
Justin74
New member
Loup's got the right idea, or, I at least agree with his opinion. There depth penetration may reach 18" (assuming the bulb was within 3" from water's surface) but what is the quality and intensity of the light at that depth? A far cry from what levels a T5 bulb would put at 18" im sure. More watts per bulb? True, but the efficiency of said light is the issue. VHO does not efficiently get those watts back into the tank, rather only half of the diameter of the bulb, leaving the other half to reflect off other bulbs and itself. T5's parabolic reflector throws back all most all light and projects it down into the tank, making it much much more efficient at providing suitable PAR levels deeper into said tank.
So, although they provide more watt from the get go, I would venture to say they are equal to or lesser than T5's at an 18-24" depth.
This does not include the life of the VHO bulb and the fact that it will need to be replaced 3-6 months sooner than a T5 bulb whos useable average life is 12-18 months(ya, they last longer, but emphasis on useable ) v. 9-12 months VHO.
Bottom line, dont fight the feeling!
-Justin
So, although they provide more watt from the get go, I would venture to say they are equal to or lesser than T5's at an 18-24" depth.
This does not include the life of the VHO bulb and the fact that it will need to be replaced 3-6 months sooner than a T5 bulb whos useable average life is 12-18 months(ya, they last longer, but emphasis on useable ) v. 9-12 months VHO.
Bottom line, dont fight the feeling!
-Justin
dots
Premium Member
Quality of light is what Loup was speaking about....not quantity.....260watts of PC does not equal 260watt of T5 or 260 watts of MH.....T5 and MH cut through the water harder than other types of lighting. This can be seen with different wattages and heights of halides also, so your setup and depth of tank are key in selection and results you will see, keep that in mind......I have 14K 250s really close to the water, which I will bet are more intense than say a 10k 400W MH a foot higher.....I bet mine are more intense at the corals than the 400W 10k......its all about the quality of light, how far from the water they are for dispersion, and through how much water its got to punch through......remember inverse square.......
Kinda like Mike Tyson hitting you versus Michael Jackson 260 times.....are they equal?
VHOs are the old school bulb and T5s are the new kid on the block.....VHOs are a proven technology that has been tried and true for quite a while, but the market is drying up, so I doubt any new developments are taking place....however,the opposite can be said for T5s.....from what I see bulb choices and reflector designs are only going to become more plentiful.....that would have a lot to do with my deciding on a lighting system that I plan on using and growing with me as I do in the hobby.......
From the old school guys....ones that have been around more than 5 to 10 years........they say that the VHO still has the best "color" for an Actinic.....when used with MHs as mentioned.
I think space is a major consideration to look at...those VHOs are huge compared to the PCs or T5s......Depends on what you want them for....supplementation, instead of PCs.....sure then I might consider them......for daylight.....no way......the t5 is a much more efficient design that has a focused beam.......
If your really looking for the most intense lighting.....quit screwing around and up to MH......I would consider T5s for price of operation and heating concerns......if those aren't anything to worry about.....then go for it you won't be sorry!!!! Yes, Im a fan....of halides..and very biased, but only because I am completly happy with them.....I think you should go with one of those PFO or even the Aqualight Pro kits like I have with the Actinics and MHs built in....yeah little spendy but way cool with the shimmer and bulb choices when you have MH......literaly dozens if not a hundreds or so colors and brands that even vary from bulb to bulb by manufacturer.
T5s are a great option as far as a flourecent bulb goes, but let that not open the door into the others......because they aren't the same.....if your looking for the best lighting your choices are either T5 or MH......and you know which I would steer you towards...
I just saw my next tank tonight......240 cube with 1-1000watt MH on a light mover........now thats some lighting!!!!!
Not the featured tank, but another posters.(Reefer714),....check it out....sweet!!!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=897075
Kinda like Mike Tyson hitting you versus Michael Jackson 260 times.....are they equal?
VHOs are the old school bulb and T5s are the new kid on the block.....VHOs are a proven technology that has been tried and true for quite a while, but the market is drying up, so I doubt any new developments are taking place....however,the opposite can be said for T5s.....from what I see bulb choices and reflector designs are only going to become more plentiful.....that would have a lot to do with my deciding on a lighting system that I plan on using and growing with me as I do in the hobby.......
From the old school guys....ones that have been around more than 5 to 10 years........they say that the VHO still has the best "color" for an Actinic.....when used with MHs as mentioned.
I think space is a major consideration to look at...those VHOs are huge compared to the PCs or T5s......Depends on what you want them for....supplementation, instead of PCs.....sure then I might consider them......for daylight.....no way......the t5 is a much more efficient design that has a focused beam.......
If your really looking for the most intense lighting.....quit screwing around and up to MH......I would consider T5s for price of operation and heating concerns......if those aren't anything to worry about.....then go for it you won't be sorry!!!! Yes, Im a fan....of halides..and very biased, but only because I am completly happy with them.....I think you should go with one of those PFO or even the Aqualight Pro kits like I have with the Actinics and MHs built in....yeah little spendy but way cool with the shimmer and bulb choices when you have MH......literaly dozens if not a hundreds or so colors and brands that even vary from bulb to bulb by manufacturer.
T5s are a great option as far as a flourecent bulb goes, but let that not open the door into the others......because they aren't the same.....if your looking for the best lighting your choices are either T5 or MH......and you know which I would steer you towards...
I just saw my next tank tonight......240 cube with 1-1000watt MH on a light mover........now thats some lighting!!!!!
Not the featured tank, but another posters.(Reefer714),....check it out....sweet!!!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=897075
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