vho vs. pc ?

[Anonymous]

if you were to put either of these over a 55g, which one?
4 110 vho's, or 4 96w power compact?
also, why? one more intense than the other, light penetrate deeper
in the water column than the other? one more efficient, generate less heat than the other?
thanks!

 

[ChrisRD]

Not sure this will be helpful as I don't really have much of an opinion either way on VHOs or PCs (don't like either one very much)...

On a 4' tank I think I would give T-5s a try - that's what I'm going to do on my next tank. I saw a really nice package deal at Coral Reef Aquarium with lamps, endcaps, electronic ballast and good reflectors (makes all the difference IMO).

I don't think there is much on the website (I saw them when I was in the store) but if you call them and ask for Jeremy he can tell you more. I saw them on a tank in the store and they looked like VHOs, only they were drawing half the wattage!

OK, back to the useful responses...LOL

 

[ChrisRD]

Hey Juice,

Check this out: Dana Riddle study

(scroll down BTW)

 

[Len]

If you're retrofitting, how about 2 VHO Actinics and 2 PC Daylights. I hate PC actinics since the spectrum isn't even close to VHOs, but PCs are more efficient.

Single tubed T-5s are great (very efficient), but I haven't seen their actinics yet so I can't say if I like their spectral quality. It's strange .... for some reason VHOs are the only ones that do it "right," yet their just phosphors

 

[oimate84]

Personally, I wouldnt rush in to T5's just yet, the jury is still out on them in the US. Go with the gauranteed proven success of halide and/or VHO. I supplement my dual halides with PC's, but Im not too thrilled with them, if I upgrade, ill definately go with VHO's.

 

[Anonymous]

I like the 8800k PC's real well. I had the 50/50 bulb before and it did have a nasty looking blue for it's actinic. No doubt for actinic, vho looks better.

But, I am not wasting any more money on lesser light. Metal Halide in the future for me.

 

[criccio]

Having had both CSL 50/50 bulbs, and Hellolights 50/50 bulbs, Hellolights are visually much more pleasing IMO. The CSL do have an ugly teal color to the actinic half, where as the Hellolight are a purplish/pink hue.
Chris