t5 vs VHO

nanocuber7

nanocuber7

Member
i was wondering for my 29 gallon that im setting is 56 watts of t5 lighting enough or should i go with the 130w coralife light fixture they make. what are the pros of t5? what are the cons?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Pro:
Intense lighting - When overdriven on an IceCap ballast it's the most intense flourescent lighting available.
Inexpensive bulbs are available.
Bulbs are very sturdy.
Bulbs are long lasting.
Cons:
Requires a high quality reflector for each bulb.
Limited bulb choices.
No internal reflector.
No proven track record (yet).
 
carshark

carshark

Active Member
bang is right.
I do have experience with them though. i use them for a supplement for my metal halide. just actinic only. if you look into a retro kit they arent that expensive, if you dig online. great lighting though, very intense and puts out excellent lumens, very worthy buy.
 
ags

ags

Member
Are T5s worth switching over from regular sized VHOs?
I have 2 icecap ballasts (660, 430) already wired and a spare sitting in a closet. My only expense would be end caps, bulbs and reflectors. The bulbs on my current system will be replaced in December/January.
Thanks
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
I haven't switched mine. My results with VHO are just too good. If you switch, let me know your results after a year or so.
I'd be a lot more inclined to try them if URI started making them with an internal reflector.
 
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