300w VHO or (4x24w HO w/individual reflector) T5?

[jcm1229]

I've been running my 37g mixed reef for 4 years lit by 300w VHO lighting (2x super actinics and 2x aquasun 10k). It has been very successful. My sps near the top get decent growth and decent color.

I just setup a 15g nano tank and bought a 4x24w t5 setup. Original lighting is Ok, but I plan to put individual reflectors on and by all accounts should be very good!

I go to thinking if I should replace my 300w V Ho with 3x24 t45s?

I could easily retrofit the endcaps and reflectors onto my Ice Cap ballast, but would entertain opinions on how effective this would be in terms of keeping my sps happy (as they are under the current VHO) as well as aesthetics of the tank and being less bulky under my hood. I could also add an additional 1 or 2 24w HO t5 bulbs as well.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[sundevil_brian]

i think you should go with at least 4 w/ individual reflectors and if that doesn't work for the sps you can always add the last one later.

[jcm1229]

I guess I'm mostly interested in an opinion of the T5 vs. VHO lighting.