How much light?

[jjboods]

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I'd like the lighting to be able to keep anything: SPS, clams, etc. I know...MH's. Had them, wasn't happy.

I currently have 4 110watt VHO's over a 75 gallon tank.

I was trying to sell the current system and replace it with 4 T5's powered by an Icecap 660. I haven't been able to sell the lights I have.

Would adding 2 more VHO's be enough? Should I add 2 T5's powered by a T5 ballast? Or, if I add the T5's, would I need to overdrive them off an Icecap ballast?

The 2 T5's off a T5 ballast is the least expensive, then the VHO's, then the T5's off the Icecap. I'd like to spend the least possible and be able to accomplish what I am trying to accomplish.

 

[_Adrian_]

well ..
going to T5 would be even less light because even the HO version only is 54W, where as the VHO's are 110W.
and if you dont like MH then you gotta squezze a couple more lights in there.
dunno what bulbs you have in there right now.
but i would say 4 x 10K VHO's with 2 x HO T5 Actinics should do.

 

[jjboods]

I've heard from others that the 54watt T5's give more light than 110 watt VHO's because the reflectors are better and direct more of the light into the tank and that they can be mounted closer to the water. Also, I've heard that T5's run off an Icecap ballast actually run at about 80 watts.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Personally I like the setup you have with the VHOs. They look great IMO. I just added another 150w of actinic to my 400w HQI and I love the VHO.

B

 

[SnowManSnow]

oh.. and whats the problem with MH? Just currious.
b

 

[jjboods]

I have just had bad personal experience with them, not knocking them for others. I think unless you buy high quality, expensive bulbs, you run the risk of poor manufacturing and inconsistant quality.

 

[ChrisRD]

If I already had the VHOs I think I would run a mix. I'd use good individual lamp reflectors on the T-5s like the IceCaps.

IMO this is the best of both worlds - you can get the excellent intensity of daylight and/or white-blue T-5 lamps w/reflectors AND the excellent flourescence from VHO actinics...

 

[ChrisRD]

I've heard from others that the 54watt T5's give more light than 110 watt VHO's because the reflectors are better and direct more of the light into the tank

I agree - you really can't compare the two systems watt for watt. The T-5s with good reflectors are much more efficient.

 

[jjboods]

I'm adding 2 T5's to the 4 VHO's. Any opinion on setup...I need new VHO's abyway. I'm think ing 2 10000K URI VHO, 2 Actinic VHO, and 2 10000K T5's.