T5's AND VHO??

[Jade]

I was wondering if anyone is running this combination. Everyone seems to love the T5's( including me), and everyone seems to like the VHO Actinic better than the T5 actinic (including me), so is anyone running T5 with VHO actinic?? Just a thought. Please show pics if you are using this combo. Thanks
Chris

 

[mojo~]

I did do this on my 75 for a short time. 6 t5ho and 2 vho actinic. Not bad. Just wasnt enough room really to fit them all over my 75 at the time.

 

[Jade]

I currently run 4 T5's, 2 ATI aquablue+, and 2 ATI blue specials. If I were to add 2 VHO actinics, would I need to change any of the T5's to keep about the same color?

 

[JCR's Reef]

Giesmann actinics are suppose to be very close to the VHO actinics. I cant remember where I read that at to point you into that direction. But people also say the blue + bulbs give the coral more pop.
I'm running 2 Vho's pure actinics, and 2 t5's giesmann actinics with a metal halide Radium. Giesmann is suppose to be the closest to VHO actinics from what I read. The
t5's are a little purpleish compared to the VHO's. I run them on a 660 ballast so I cant control them individually to tell the difference but the VHO noticeably put out more.
I'm not running all T5's so I really cant help you, but if you could come accross some VHO's at a good price it wouldnt hurt to tinker with them.

 

[Jade]

I am really considering trying this. If for no other reason than to answer my questions. Need to find a ballast first i guess. Thanks guys.
Chris

 

[mojo~]

I bought a geismann t5 actinic and it was no where near close to a vho actinic in my opinion. Just not near as bright. It was overpowered by all the other bulbs.

 

[Jade]

Thanks for all the opinions Jesse and Josh. Do either of you happen to have any pics. for comparison?

 

[JCR's Reef]

I dont have any pics, but like I said above the VHO's are noticeably brighter. The T5 actinics to me, since I can see them side by side, are a little dull. But they also dont consume as much energy as VHO. Its really all about personal taste in this hobby. Are you just wanting your coral to pop out more? Or are you wanting to add more blue to your tank?

 

[Jade]

More POP. Just seems like everything is a little dull looking. Know what I mean.