T5 vs VHO

[alazo1]

I've read a bit on t5s but still don't know why they are better then vho's. One vho 48" = 110 watts. One t5 = 54 watts.

T5 is thinner so you can fit more but are they better and why?.

thanks,
Albert

[pjf]

Those who claim that T5 lighting is better than VHO are touting efficiency and the amount of reflected light reaching the aquarium.

Linear T5 lighting produces more light per watt consumed than VHO:
• A 4-foot 115-watt T12-VHO lamp produces 49 to 55 lumens per watt (http://www.elliptipar.com/vertical/Vertpdf/VertGdLg.pdf) for a total of about 6000 lumens.
• A 4-foot 54-watt T5-HO produces 93 lumens per watt (http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/lat5/pc1a.asp) for a total of about 5000 lumens.
Although the T12-VHO consumes twice the electrical power, it barely exceeds the light output of the T5-HO.

With individual parabolic reflectors, the T5-HO will deliver more light into the aquarium than the T12-VHO. The T12 tube is 1-1/2 inches in diameter and blocks much of the light reflected from its own reflector. A T5 tube is 5/8 inches in diameter and lets most of the reflected light continue to the aquarium.

Those who tout the advantages of the T12-VHO are championing only one T12-VHO: UV Lighting's "Super Actinic R." This lamp is said to be superior to UV Lighting's T5-HO "Super Actinic R" in causing corals to fluoresce.

[alazo1]

Real good info pjf, thanks. I've been considering going with these type of lights..too many choices.

Albert

[markandkristen]

for actinics ....vho super actinics still seems to be the best.

as far as output for daylight bulbs etc.. you can get more power out of less watss with t5s