T5 vs. VHO

[phoenix001]

Right now, on my 90 gallon SPS tank, I run a combination of 2 250W MH Radiums and 2 110W URI VHO Actinics. I like the combination, but was wondering if there is any advantage to replacing the VHO's with T5's?

[sanchoy]

vho is better blue supplement, t-5 is better stand a lone. If you are running mh i will stick with vho

[AtlantaReefer]

I was wondering the same thing. I am having a canopy built this week. going from 3 110 vho's to 2x250 watt 20k radiums. i was going to use my current vho as actinics, but t5's was an option.

[rtparty]

VHO is better for actinic supp not blue. If you want to add blue supp then T5's are the way to go.

[Av8bluewater]

Or just add both!
Planning my dream tank I want both so I can add the Blue+ with VHO super actinics..
Radium MHs.

[phoenix001]

What about the 454nm VHO bulbs instead of the super Actinics?

[Tim Cannon]

imo vho give a better color pop then t5 anyday

[Phyxius]

What about the 454nm VHO bulbs instead of the super Actinics?

I run 2-250 watts with 2 -5ft VHOs also. I just switched one of my super actinic r bulbs for a 454 and they are much bluer.It makes the actinic bulb look almost purple in color. I have the 454 running in the back and the actinic r in the front and it gives a nice blue hue now and still retains the fluorescence pop when the halides are off

I ran 2 T5s on my old 90 system and the blue just wasnt the same as the VHOs so I switched back when it came time for bulb replacement

[firebirdcrzy]

I am with everyone on the VHO. I was running 2x250 halides with 2xt-5 on my 90gal. made the switch to 2x110w vho super actinics and never looked back. I do plan to try the 454 bulbs in the near future just to see how they look.

[phoenix001]

Has anyone tried 2 of the 454 bulbs with Metal Halide? Would love to see some pics if there are any.

[phoenix001]

No one has any pics of the 454 bulb on your tank?

[Phyxius]

No one has any pics of the 454 bulb on your tank?

Its hard to get a true color shot with these bulbs but here is a 50/50 shot with mine and the one 03 bulb and the 454. Flash was needed so it makes it look a little washed but its a nice deep blue color. I know you wanted a dual 454 shot but this is a s close as I could give you
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y281/mleiter/100_0063.jpg

[phoenix001]

Its hard to get a true color shot with these bulbs but here is a 50/50 shot with mine and the one 03 bulb and the 454. Flash was needed so it makes it look a little washed but its a nice deep blue color. I know you wanted a dual 454 shot but this is a s close as I could give you
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y281/mleiter/100_0063.jpg

Mike - thanks for that. So, you have one 454 and one Super Actinic? Do you like the combo? Did you have both Super Actinics before?

[Phyxius]

I have always run only Actinc 03 bulbs and loved the fluorescence from them. I was at a local store that was having a great sale on bulbs and they had a 454 so I decided to get one to try after hearing all the talk about them. I really like the look of combining both of the bulbs now that I have done it. You dont have the dark blue florescence look only of the actinics but a brighter blue effect also with the 454 added in. My wife who could care less about any of the equipment aspects of the tank commented on how the tank looked brighter and she liked it better now compared to before

The owner of the store joked I would be back for another 454 after trying this one and seeing how it looked. They changed all their bulbs over to them in the store when they came out. For me I like the mixed look I have now using one of each

[A.T.T.R]

vho all the way/ im getting sick of t5's and the burn out if you try to od them .
ran vhos for YEARS ( same bulbs had to been 2.5 - 4years) stuff grew under them like they were new. yes less penetration but they ran forever i finaly threw them out when i got a new tank ( they were still lighting)

[Phyxius]

vho all the way/ im getting sick of t5's and the burn out if you try to od them .
ran vhos for YEARS ( same bulbs had to been 2.5 - 4years) stuff grew under them like they were new. yes less penetration but they ran forever i finaly threw them out when i got a new tank ( they were still lighting)

Plus the blues from the T5s just are not the same. Its the reason I went back to VHOs on my old tank after 6 mths of trying T5s on it. They don't compare in color