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View Full Version : T5 or VHO actinics with MH?


elmatth1
03/18/2010, 01:43 PM
Well, I didn't like the T5 only look on my 56 gallon so I went with a couple of 250w DE MH pendants. Now, I'm thinking about building a canopy and supplementing with some actinics. I'm thinking either T5 or VHO, but haven't decided on which because I don't really know much about VHO setups. Can anyone help me decide which actinic supplementation I should get and maybe some of the advantages/disadvantages of one over the other. I will probably only be adding two bulbs to my setup, one in front and one behind the MH pendants. Also, which bulbs would do best with MH's to really bring out the colors of my mixed reef?

Thanks,
Eric

elmatth1
03/18/2010, 07:33 PM
No one has opinions on this? I'm thinking T5 is the best route, but only because I don't know enough about VHO.

john90009
03/18/2010, 07:35 PM
well with a vho bulb you wont be able to compare any t-5 to a vho. the actinic power that comes from the vho and makes the coral pop is amazing. VHO all the way

mfinn
03/18/2010, 08:09 PM
I really like my VHO actinic along with MH lighting.
I just tried some 454 VHO's and I was amazed at the color.

Gary Majchrzak
03/18/2010, 08:15 PM
No one has opinions on this? I'm thinking T5 is the best route, but only because I don't know enough about VHO.
you said it ;)

best route for what?
better keep researching!

elmatth1
03/18/2010, 09:48 PM
Well, best route for bringing out the color of my corals. I don't really need the supplementation for any more par as two 250w MH over a 56 is already more than enough. I've found several threads on here where people discuss VHO and others where they discuss T5 (and I've had T5 myself), but I haven't found much comparing the two about actinic supplementation. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place or searching for the right stuff, who knows?

Eric

jimsplace
03/19/2010, 05:36 AM
I don't think anything compares to VHO for supplemental lighting. If you go with 2 bulbs go for a super actinic (03) and a 454. They will light up your corals.

Chupakabra-King
03/19/2010, 06:16 AM
VHO is the best for Actinic supplementation period. Go VHO you wont be disappointed .

paul_111
03/19/2010, 03:50 PM
Everything I've read indicates VHO actinics are superior to T5.

elmatth1
03/20/2010, 09:54 AM
Well, I think I was wrong in assuming T5 would be better. I'll be trying some VHO bulbs soon I think. Thanks to everyone who posted.

Eric

Gary Majchrzak
03/20/2010, 09:59 AM
URI /UVI 03's ;)

firebirdcrzy
03/20/2010, 10:05 AM
I started off with 2 t-5 with my 250de halides, tried all sorts of bulbs and wasn't happy. Made the switch to VHO with 2 super actinics and will never look back at t-5's. I just ordered a 454 bulb to switch out 1 super to see what happens. I vote VHO all the way.

tylorarm
03/20/2010, 10:59 PM
I sure like the look of the VHO as supplements better, however, if you're looking for PAR to fill in some dead spots T5s fill the gaps better. I'm about to switch back to VHO supplements from T5, but i'm also adding a couple LEDs to fill in some of the shadows that the MH's don't cover, as VHO actinics don't have enough par to fill gaps or shadows.

jupiter
03/21/2010, 09:03 AM
It's been a few years but isn't VHO the only source for true actinic? I thought T5 can only emulate.