VHO vs PC

[reefernewbie]

What is the difference b/w vho lighting and pc lighting with respect to luminosity?

 

[ChrisRD]

What is the difference b/w vho lighting and pc lighting with respect to luminosity?

Theoretically PC lamps will generally produce more light for the power consumed, but, as with any lighting system, the ballasts/reflectors being used will be significant factors in the actual irradiance levels generated. Both systems have their pluses and minuses, but overall they're comparable IMO.

 

[Tackett]

correct me if Im wrong on this but....I think VHO bulbs last a tad longer than PC's

 

[Bojangles]

From what I understand PC's are "more bright" and cost quite a bit less when it comes to the energy bill. I run 400 watts and it costs me about 6 dollars a month to run 12hrs a day.

 

[ChrisRD]

Tack, the claim of VHOs lasting longer may have to do with IceCap ballasts. They drive VHO lamps a bit differently than other ballasts and make them last longer. Actually, when PCs first started to get popular in the hobby years ago, one of the selling points was that they supposedly had much better lamp life than VHOs. IME however, if anything, the opposite is true (when they're running on comparable ballasts).

As for power consumption - watts are watts, so whatever your lighting system draws is what you pay for. If your system draws 400 watts it doesn't matter if it's PC, VHO, T-5 or MH. It's important to remember, however, that your system may draw more or less actual wattage than the lamps are rated for depending on the specific ballasts/lamps in question. You really have to measure the actual draw to know for sure.

 

[reefernewbie]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is "IMO/IME"

 

[Anonymous]

In My Opinion

In My Experience

:wink:

 

[Tackett]

Tack, the claim of VHOs lasting longer may have to do with IceCap ballasts. They drive VHO lamps a bit differently than other ballasts and make them last longer. Actually, when PCs first started to get popular in the hobby years ago, one of the selling points was that they supposedly had much better lamp life than VHOs. IME however, if anything, the opposite is true (when they're running on comparable ballasts).

As for power consumption - watts are watts, so whatever your lighting system draws is what you pay for. If your system draws 400 watts it doesn't matter if it's PC, VHO, T-5 or MH. It's important to remember, however, that your system may draw more or less actual wattage than the lamps are rated for depending on the specific ballasts/lamps in question. You really have to measure the actual draw to know for sure.

Good info brother. Many thanks