T5 vs. VHO question

[lightningfront]

Would running 6 x 80w T5s or running 4 x 160w VHOs provide more usable light for coral over a standard 125 gallon.

Just wondering I already have my 6 x 80w T5s set up, and the though crossed my mind that I never even considered VHOs, I was only really thinking T5 or Halide and decided on the T5s.

How do VHO and T5 compare?

 

[Jenisiz]

I've found the variety of t-5's out there to be great...I've personally never tried VHOs but I've heard great things about them.

 

[billdogg]

I have used VHO's since they became available. I like them a lot. as for your question - 6 x 80w = 480watts. 4 x 160 watts = 640 watts. the t5's may be more efficient, but the vho's have a greater output

 

[spsfreak]

^ simply not true. Just because the VHO's have a higher wattage, does not mean that the output of light is greater.
I would bet the house payment that the t5's have a higher PAR reading than the VHO's; regardless of wattage.

 

[gh0st]

It also depends on the ballast and reflectors used on the T5's.

On a Icecap 660 overdriving the T-5's with Icecap SLR reflectors, one 85w 4ft T-5 appears nearly twice as bright as a 110w 4ft VHO on the same ballast, to my eye.

Now around twice the output at around 25% less energy consumption is hard to pass up in my book. Plus, the T5 replacement bulbs are cheaper.

 

[2dawghouse]

My opinion is VHO looks better in actinic. But other than that I think T5's will give you the best bang for your buck and would probably give you more flexibility within your system. Unless you are unhappy with your current setup, I wouldnt change a thing.

If you are unhappy with the color of your tank then change lamps, that is one of the great things about T5's.