T5's vs. VHO's

Reliable1 · #1 06/09/2006, 05:23 PM

Looking to upgrade lighting on my 90 gal. Currently running PC's have several soft corals(frogspawn, bubble, mushrooms, xenias, ricordias,etc.). Want to keep these corals and also be able to get some sps/hard corals.
Should i go with the VHO's or the T5's???????? How many bulbs??

naterd1976 · #2 06/09/2006, 06:32 PM

A mixed reef with SPS, I personally would go with a 6 bulb T5 configuration for a 90. That is what I'm currently deploying on my 90. Just make sure you get the individual reflectors for each bulb.

roader247 · #3 06/09/2006, 06:49 PM

I'm going to give T5's a try on my 90 Good Luck

R33f3r · #4 06/09/2006, 09:30 PM

6 T5's would do the trick.

VHO's are a dying technology.

Amy83820 · #5 06/09/2006, 09:48 PM

I have a 4 bulb t5 fixture on my 90 without the individual reflectors. I only run 2 of the bulbs and they are still too bright for my mushrooms. After 1 month of running the 2 bulbs and having them in the shade, they are just starting to open fully. Everything else is at the bottom of the tank or in the shade and is doing ok. Took the zoos quite a while to adjust also....still can't run all 4 bulbs.

jimbo045 · #6 06/09/2006, 10:41 PM

I dig and use V.H.O.s, the are way ahead of t5s. JD

Amphiprion · #7 06/09/2006, 10:48 PM

I am not participating in the argument, but I will say that both can work very well if used properly.

sjm817 · #8 06/09/2006, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jimbo045
I dig and use V.H.O.s, the are way ahead of t5s. JD

LOL JD! Fits perfectly with your affection for Seaclone skimmers, and Purple Up Vs a proper ca/alk supplement such as Kalk. At least you are consistent!

jjmg · #9 06/09/2006, 11:22 PM

A couple MH ballast would run you about $40 apiece from a local electical store. Reflectors usually go for aound 20. Then buy the bulbs of your choice. Sorry I still like MH for the money.

Bambalamb · #10 06/10/2006, 01:01 AM

I have a 660w VHO setup on my 75 gal that works well for me, but that doesn't mean it's a good way to go. My clam, SPS corals and others have good growth rates, but if I had it all to do over again I would go metal halide. I just stayed with the VHO to keep my existing canopy.

R33f3r · #11 06/10/2006, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjm817
LOL JD! Fits perfectly with your affection for Seaclone skimmers, and Purple Up Vs a proper ca/alk supplement such as Kalk. At least you are consistent!

LOL