VHO or T5?

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Glenn - 25 Dec 2004 19:11 GMT

I am setting up my new 120. I have a 49" canopy to work with, but its only
got 6" vertical clearance inside it. Light options are either VHO or T5. I
am finding it hard to find out how the 8x54 watt T5 is compared to 4x110
watt VHOs. Mostly concerned with brightness, but heat also concerns me. I
could use 8 VHO bulbs, but I think that may be too much. would 8 T5s be too
much, or would they be just about right? I am starting with live rock and
some clean-up critters and a few fish. After I learn enough (read: overcome
my fears) ;-), I plan to gradually build the reef up with corals. I realize
that eventually I may need to ditch the canopy and go with some MH pendants,
but that is a couple years off (maybe--if needed at all). My main reason
for wanting the canopy is to block the lights from viewer's eyes. The tank
is in my TV room. I think I am leaning towards the 8x54 T5s--any reason not
to?

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Toni - 26 Dec 2004 12:37 GMT

> I think I am leaning towards the 8x54 T5s--any reason not
> to?

Not at all. T-5 naysayers generally have no experience with T-5's.

I run 8x54w of T-5's over a 24" deep tank and am growing and keeping all
species from Acro's to crocea clams. You just have to be aware of the
lighting requirements of each species and place them accordingly.
In choosing T-5's just make sure that you are getting the proper individual
reflectors- it's the reflective capacity that makes them superior to VHO.

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Toni
http://www.cearbhaill.com/reef.htm

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Glenn - 26 Dec 2004 18:03 GMT

Thanks, Toni. I like your tanks setup. Can you tell me what you have your
light fixture supported with? Legs or brackets from the manufacturer? How
far above the tank frame is the top of the fixture? Also, what
combination/types of bulbs are you using? I like the color you are getting
with them.

> I run 8x54w of T-5's over a 24" deep tank and am growing and keeping all
> species from Acro's to crocea clams. You just have to be aware of the
> lighting requirements of each species and place them accordingly.

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Toni - 27 Dec 2004 11:24 GMT

> Thanks, Toni. I like your tanks setup. Can you tell me what you have your
> light fixture supported with? Legs or brackets from the manufacturer? How
> far above the tank frame is the top of the fixture? Also, what
> combination/types of bulbs are you using? I like the color you are getting
> with them.

My Tek-Light is supported by two 2x4 pieces of lumber just lying on the top
of the tank- not pretty but it works. I always thought I'd paint the wood
black if it ever became an eyesore but have not noticed it too badly. The
fixture slides back and forth easily enough to service the tank. This puts
the bulbs two inches from the top of the tank and three inches from the
water.
Right now I am running (front to back)
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Aquablue Special
Aquablue Special
Aquablue Special
Aquablue Special
Blue Plus
Actinic

I have experiemented with almost every color combination out there and find
this one to be most pleasing. A German Forum reported the President of ATI
(bulb manufacturer) saying that the Aquablues actually produce more PAR's
than the 6500ºK Daylight bulbs, so I don't feel too bad about not using any
daylight bulbs. I find them to be too yellow- I kept them as spares. All my
stuff comes from ReefGeek.com- I found them to be very helpful in choosing
bulbs but I still ended up with plenty of spares.

I chose T-5 lighting primarily as a way to combat rising room heat from the
lighting- I am in a hot climate and my A/C was high enough without even
factoring in the lighting. I've had the T-5's in for a year now and have
been very happy with them. My corals are holding their color and growing
well, both clams are doing great, and the lower level LPS and encrusting
things are spreading fine.

Signature

Toni
http://www.cearbhaill.com/reef.htm

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Pet Forum / Aquaria / Marine Reef / December 2004

VHO or T5?