T5 or VHO

[matt and tracy]

I'm going to do a new custom tank in my front room. My previous tank used a 400w mh and I want to go with either T5 or HO VHO. The tank will be 60 inches long with internal overflow on one side, 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall with 4inch sand bed. I am either going to go with 4 T5's or the 4x48in HO VHO from Ice Cap. I have mostly soft coral with lps and montipora. What's better. I know nothing about T5's, I've seen HO VHO and used PC. Is one brighter, hotter, better color?

 

[1swtlx]

I asked a simular question not to long ago;
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1642778

My opinion would be go T5 because of the many different color variations available with those bulbs. I already had the VHO T-12's so that is what I am currently using.

Both T-5 and VHO T-12s are great choices for corals and the heat factor shouldn't be much different between the two given that the same total watts are used . The PAR and depth penetration of each setup is beyond my knowledge.

 

[Johnny C]

T5's, HANDS DOWN!

VHOs are becoming outdated and don't have the color variety, not to mention par. GL

 

[divewsharks]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15139859#post15139859 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CaliDreaminjC
T5's, HANDS DOWN!

VHOs are becoming outdated and don't have the color variety, not to mention par. GL

Ditto

Not that you couldn't do it with T12 VHO's but you be much better off going with T5's.

 

[1swtlx]

If you still have any doubt go to this thread and look at the 10th picture of the T5's lit up. That's why everyone like T-5s

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1599152

 

[hansmatt]

I went from 4x110 vho's on icecap ballasts to 6x54w ATI fixture...the t5's are much brighter despite the lower wattage, and the colors POP! My wife asked if I got some new corals...the bright glowing kind...nope, just new lights!

 

[burned]

T5s because of the snap on reflectors.

b

 

[fdnyhm1]

T5s no question.
Make sure they have individual reflectors