VHO vs. T-5

[TeeLapia]

Anyone have good reads on the two? Comparing the two, and was wondering if it were worth it going VHO vs. T-5. High watt output for VHO, but how about PAR? as well as effectiveness. Any input would be great. I don't seem to get much around RC, and when I do it's people saying they love their Actinics. TIA.

 

[mpoletti]

T-5's are great as a primary source and an alternative to MH, but you will not get the "pop" that vho's give off. T5's will color up the coral but will not give the true floresence like VHO's. I have T5's along with my MH, but can not create the look that can be achieved by VHO's. Everytime I see a tank with VHO's, I get slightly envious.

This is just my opinion and my #1 deciding factor is how it looks to my eye.

 

[TeeLapia]

Where have you seen VHOs? I do not see anyone running them and am very curious. Everyone runs ICECAP, but mainly use them for T-5... You have any good readings you want to share?

 

[mpoletti]

They are a supplement so I do not care about the PAR value. Just look at Brian's TOTM article for reference. I have been lucky enough to have a few reefers with amazing set ups allow me into their houses to see their systems.
For a long time, Every TOTM was running halides and VHO's; there is a reason for this. The hobby does have many great options now, but that is what I prefer. I had a hard time making up my mind on my new system, but I always went back to "but I want the pop of vho's".

 

[TeeLapia]

Got it! I think my mind has been made up.

 

[C4SxM5]

I'm actually looking into "upgrading" my VHO's to T5's also and it seems that T5 out perform VHO's by far. You can read about it in the Lighting section, but if anyone has any specifics to add please do.

Thanks

 

[mpoletti]

T5's do out perform vho's, but they produce different colors of floresence due to the type of powder inside the bulbs. It all goes back to personal preference. There is no right type or no best type of lighting. Whatever makes us happy as hobbyist. my $.02

 

[jtarmitage]

The T5's do outperform VHO's, and it's my understanding that the narrow tube helps to concentrate the light so that more of it "pierces" the water than is reflected off of the surface. But, it's been awhile since reading that, and I have no proof to back it up!

 

[drdoolittle]

just taggin along..

I used to have Halide and VHO. But switched to a higher wattage. So, i got rid of the VHO.

I noticed that my tank does not give out same look as when i had vho. I have been wanting on installing supplement lighting on my set up. But still debating on VHO or T5.

I have seen amazing coral colors on T5. But VHO does give a nice all around look to the tank.

I still have not make up my mind on this.. I would like to see more opinion from people that have used both..

 

[mpoletti]

Hey Ed. I know that Tim was a T5 user and switched back to vho's. I have done a lot of reading and a lot of listening and that is why I am going this route. I know that T5's can produce great results, but like you said about your vhos', they just product a different type of light.

You're running 400's now?

 

[drdoolittle]

Hey Mark,

Yes, i'm running 3x400 watts helios on a Lumenarc III and PFO HQI ballast. For the past several weeks i have been debating on installing supplement lighting. The look of my tank and corals are not the same..

I seen Tims tank and it looks awesome. But i also seen some othre peoples tank with MH/T5 and the coral colors are crazy.

But you are right about the look of VHO, it has a nice look to it..

 

[kdblove_99]

Johns display tank at your reef is MH and VHO's if you have seen his tank

 

[TeeLapia]

The thing I have heard is that T-5 are always underrated. People get caught up with the watts per gallon, etc. They tend to underestimate what T-5 can really do. Thanks guys I know what route I am going.

 

[mpoletti]

I know Ed about the coral colors. I do not think I have awesome colors. but I also know that some of the colors I get I am proud of. I run DE and T5's and that is why the switch was so hard for me. I am going to run radiums and vho's. I like color
I also thought about T5's or vho's going across fromt to back in between the reflectors as well. I finished my stand and canopy this weekend and picked up my tank last week. I guess its time to put up or shut up.

 

[Jeff]

Ok, I own an Aquactinics 14 bulb T5 fixture and love it. I am really happy with the colors but actually have room behind the fixture to add a retro setup.
I have the following ideas:
For T5: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=ICE-T5-3X60R&Category_Code=IcecapT5
And for VHO: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...oduct_Code=ICE-3X60R&Category_Code=Icecapvhor

Both are around the same price but the T5 setup would be around 240 watts and the VHO setup would be around 420 watts for compairable 3 bulb Icecap retro setups. I am confused though. Everybody says T5's are better then VHO but are almost half the wattage inch to inch. I am also not sure if Icecaps overdrive VHO bulbs like they doo for T5's.
I can go thru Reefgeek.com for the same setup and get my choice of available bulbs from their stock of many.

Does anybody have any good answers for me?

 

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12059080#post12059080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TeeLapia
The thing I have heard is that T-5 are always underrated. People get caught up with the watts per gallon, etc. They tend to underestimate what T-5 can really do. Thanks guys I know what route I am going.

Constellation?

I agree that T5's are underated. They produce great colors. Watts per gallon means nothing in my book; I couldn't agree more.

 

[mpoletti]

Hey Jeff- I know it will be hard because we want so much out of our tanks such as being overdriven and such, but VHO's are best as a supplemental light. I know some have all vho's, but thats not my ballgame; no thanks.

Since vhos are more for visual effects, I do not know if you would want to over drive them. Does this make sense?

 

[drdoolittle]

Mark,

Radium and VHO sounds sweet.. I ran raduim before, but changing it every 6 months for too much and got me some cheaper bulbs (helios or Hamiltons)

What brand VHO would you go with?? I might just go back to VHO..

 

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12059187#post12059187 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drdoolittle
Mark,

Radium and VHO sounds sweet.. I ran raduim before, but changing it every 6 months for too much and got me some cheaper bulbs (helios or Hamiltons)

What brand VHO would you go with?? I might just go back to VHO..

I only my halides for 6 hours a day and I know some other reefers who are getting 8-9months out of them

Tim mentioned that he needed to get some more, so I will let him get them. I think he runs super actinics.

 

[TeeLapia]

Well, IceCap ballasts are made specifically for VHO and overdrives T-5s is what I got... I also got that yes, they are mostly ran for aesthetics and supplements, therefore should not be used for your whole system light... As far as VHO bulbs I have found that people tend to lean more towards the URI w/built in reflectors.