VHO vs PC

[mess7777]

I am looking into setting up a tank initially I would like only fish with live rock/sand but would like the option of adding corals, etc someday. I want to read everything I can and learn everything I can before making a purchase of any kind. The subject of lighting seems to be a bit confusing, and I am having trouble deciding which system of lighting will best suit my needs and limited budget. I am thinking the tank size will be probably around the 70g mark, definitely not over 100g because of price and room constraints. Anyway, the thing that is confusing me is that the PC lights look to be quite "short" in comparison to the VHO's. Is there an issue with the PC lights not covering the whole surface of the water, sort of creating light pockets in some places leaving other places with inadequate lighting. I don't want to spend a bunch of cash and end up with something that is garbage

Could someone with knowledge give me the pros and cons here as well as what is needed initially and have the option to add an additional two ballasts or something of this sort down the road if more intense items were added to the tank.

Any info is greatly appriated. Thanks!

 

[jer77]

There are three sizes of compact fluorencents. 12'', 24'', and 36'' appoximately I think. The gaps between them are small enough on the systems IMO not to cause problems for my corals. I have mostly soft corals, some clams, an anemones, some staghorn and LPS. I cannot tell that the spaces cause make gaps in the brightness, and the corals look the same also.
The things I do not like about PC's is I have to place them directly on top of the tank for the SPS and clams. Also I cannot use a glass cover.
The color of the lights also look washed out with the 10000k. This is where I like VHO's more. The color in the corals looks better, crisper and they have more color temperature bulb options.
One thing to consider are the HO T-5's. They have the colors of VHO's and the compact light intensity of PC's. Take a look at someones tank with T-5's, and see what you think.

 

[Anonymous]

I have not thres PC's but from what I have ssen of other tanks I do not like them. I had VHO on my tank for years and everything did well, from mushrooms to SPS. Alotments had to be made for the stonies for the VHO to work. If you are looking at keeping softies and LPS either would suit your needs.

 

[Len]

I've used PCs and VHOs in the past and they both performed well for me. Just make sure your PCs span the length of the tank. If you have a 48" tank, make sure the 36" long PCs are staggered so half of them is "weighted" to the left and the other half on the rightside. You shouldn't experience any visible light fall-off, but of course you should concentrate your most light-demanding corals in the middle of the tank.

BTW, jer and messer:

:welcome:

 

[mess7777]

thanks for the replies. i really appreciate the info. this site is great!