badmotorfinger7
New member
Is there a big difference between UV super actinic VHOs and t5 actinic bulbs?
VHO vs T5
- Thread starter badmotorfinger7
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shaginwagon13
Chartered Accountant
Im gonna tag along to this thread too.... 
luther1200
Premium Member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15660014#post15660014 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fish_wiz2
VHO is WAY brighter. Same color but because of the wattage difference the brightness/intensity/how ever you want to call it is miles away from each other. Wiz
If that is true then wouldn't all VHO's be better than all T5's? I think there's more to it than just a higher wattage bulb.
I have never ran VHO's myself, but I always heard it was the color irself that was better.
redfishsc
New member
I've only owned T5's but I've seen a lot of VHO setups.
The T5's, because of the use of a parabolic reflector in the better light systems, will give you much better PAR output. Much better.
The big VHO bulbs (T12) are just too huge for a good parabolic reflector.
For PAR output and overall growth, the T5's are going to be better. That being said, the colors that a VHO can produce are indeed very, very hard to beat. Fewer things are prettier than VHO actinics.
The T5's, because of the use of a parabolic reflector in the better light systems, will give you much better PAR output. Much better.
The big VHO bulbs (T12) are just too huge for a good parabolic reflector.
For PAR output and overall growth, the T5's are going to be better. That being said, the colors that a VHO can produce are indeed very, very hard to beat. Fewer things are prettier than VHO actinics.
badmotorfinger7
New member
Thanks for the info, I think i am going to get some to run with my MH.
henrystyle
Member
I dont care what no one says, VHO actinic and t5 actinic are 2 different breeds. VHO is what I call actinic. I have yet to see a t5 actinic bulb that can match a VHO actinic....It just doesn't compare. And I have seen every bulb on the market.....VHO all the way.
T5 actinics are more blue than anything...
T5 actinics are more blue than anything...
I still prefer the VHO actinics as well (UVL Super Actinic). I am actually running T5's right now, but am thinking about switching back. I like saving the 100w of power (2x24w vs. 2x75w), and I think the T5's are actually brighter, but the color is just not the same. I might try the 20w standard UVL Super Actinic and see what that looks like.
badmotorfinger7
New member
So the best looking VHO actinic bulb is the super actinic? Has anybody seen or uses the 454 actinic by UV?
RC Slocum Rules
New member
So you're saying that I don't need a reflector for a VHO bulb and that it will outperform a T5 when both are running an actinic bulb?
I recently purchased a 454 bulb it is a true blue color. I run an all VHO system; 4 bulbs, 2 white atinic, 1 03 super atinic and the 454. The 454 added the blue I was looking for in the over-all color of the tank. The 03 adds most of the pop, but I think the 454 helps a little.
henrystyle
Member
When adding actinic one should be adding it for eye appeal color not for par. No reflector needed.
VHO actinic has was better color/pop than t5. To be honest, I don't like t5's period. Tried them and didn't like it.
Switched back to my single end bulb mh. When I upgrade I'm going to do a SE bulb/VHO combo for sure.
Nothing beats that combo.
VHO actinic has was better color/pop than t5. To be honest, I don't like t5's period. Tried them and didn't like it.
Switched back to my single end bulb mh. When I upgrade I'm going to do a SE bulb/VHO combo for sure.
Nothing beats that combo.
badmotorfinger7
New member
I have tried a bunch of different combos of T5s to run along with my MHs and have not been super happy with the look compared to tanks with VHOs. VHOs just have more pop!!
Saltcity
In Memoriam
Yes, not for Par but they are vital in a reef...
Actinic light promotes the growth of Zoaxanthellae algae, which is essential for the growth and well-being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates.
Also some light info...
http://www.personal.psu.edu/sbj4/aquarium/articles/Photosynthesis.htm
henrystyle
Member
DITTO!
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