VHO actinics vs T5 actinics

[Cozen89]

I have dual 140 watt actinic VHO's on my current set up, and that is a lot of electricity being burned up.

I was wondering if I switched them out to normal output T5 actinics would it be a major difference? The actinics are mainly supplements anyway right? I just want to save a bit on electricty and I think it would be a huge difference from 280 watts to 36 watts.

For those wondering, this will be paired up with dual 175 watt MH's on a 75 gallon tank.

[corndogg]

I switched from VHO actinic to T5 and must say that I am very disappointed and will be switching back to VHO. The color is not even close to the same. I do like the blue plus t5 bulb though.

I plan on running 2 VHO Actinics and 1 T5 blue plus

[Cozen89]

Yeah I figured I be losing some color pop, but the power difference is huge. 140 watt VHOs could be used toward an upgrade to 250 watt MH's. Altho I won't be doing that cuz I'm broke, just the thought of the power bill being significantly less is tempting. 18 watts is very low wattage. And it will be used just as a supplement.

Any other opinions on this?

[corndogg]

I switched because of power use as well but it just doesn't seem worth it if you are the type that likes that fluorescence you get from VHO actinics.

[sfsuphysics]

Well you go from 110 watts to 54 watts, you're going to lose some intensity per bulb.

[corndogg]

For me it wasn't about intensity, only color/quality. I've only used the Giesemann actinics but they are definately lacking compared to VHO super actinic

[Cozen89]

Hmmm. Maybe I'll just pull one of my VHO bulbs out. Don't think I need 2 140 watt VHO's.

[delsol650]

I got 8 bulb 48" Tek Set up... all 8 bulbs are different.. from 3000K's, super attinic blues, 3500K reds, Atinic Blue plus plus, etc... color looks great, 432 watt total.. less heat than MH's and easier to change the color look of your tank by just changing a couple of bulbs.

Cozen you can come by to take a look at it.

[Cozen89]

Delsol I cpmpletely agree with you. I loved my tek T5ho fixture. I had great coral colors. But unfortunately I had to sell it because it's 36" frame wouldn't work on my 60" tank now. So I picked up a used hamilton MH kit.

So I'm trying to debate if I want to save some cash and electricity by down grading my 140 watt VHO super actinics to regular 36 watt t5 actinics.

[delsol650]

They do have 54watt ones...