VHO lighting

[MikeyZO]

Ok, so my question is where do all these rate as far as strongest light to weakest light?

i.e. If you had a really deep tank, given all the possible types of lighting (MH, CF, VHO, HO, T5, etc), which is best to worst? (all things being equal and of somewhat equal wattage)

 

[reefkprZ]

metal halides have the best penetration, hands down.
then I would say either t5-ho or VHO next
powercompacts
ho flourescents
regular output flourescents

this is Just my opinion

 

[masterswimmer]

Mike, it's not practical to make a blanket statement saying T5's are better or worse than any of the other types of lighting. What makes HO T5's efficient is the type of reflector used. The cheap fixtures on the market use a flat piece of reflective material above the bulbs. This type of fixture can not be compared to a fixture that has individual, highly polished, parabolic reflectors above each bulb.

swimmer

 

[NYreefNoob]

Ilkl Still Stick With My T5's Soon To Be Over Driven And Vho For My Antic's, I Will Say This For Me Personally Since Ive Done Pc, T5's And Mh Over The Last 2 Yr's Mh Seem To Produce Darker Colors In The Corals As Where My T5's Seem To Produce More Of A Pastel Look To The Color's, Cant Say I Notice Any Difference In Growth, But My Higher Light Requirement Pieces Are All Up Top I Currently Run 4 T5's And 2 Vho's 36" But Going To 5 T5 Over Driven Maybe 6 If It Fits And Still Use My Vho For Antics

 

[reefkprZ]

Mike, it's not practical to make a blanket statement saying T5's are better or worse than any of the other types of lighting. What makes HO T5's efficient is the type of reflector used. The cheap fixtures on the market use a flat piece of reflective material above the bulbs. This type of fixture can not be compared to a fixture that has individual, highly polished, parabolic reflectors above each bulb.

swimmer

sure it is in the manner he asked the question, he did say all wattages and other aspects the same AKA all units would have parabolic refloctors, and have about 250 watts or none would. thus the question is just fine as a comparison for which penetrates deeper into the tank.

 

[masterswimmer]

sure it is in the manner he asked the question, he did say all wattages and other aspects the same AKA all units would have parabolic refloctors, and have about 250 watts or none would. thus the question is just fine as a comparison for which penetrates deeper into the tank.

We've got a member asking questions that lead me to believe they want some answers. I can't make assumptions that they know there is a difference between T5 fixtures and reflectors. I've talked to many people on many boards, and this apparently isn't common knowledge.

swimmer

 

[reefkprZ]

true

 

[masterswimmer]

Meant to ask you Mainiacs, who owns the lagoon? That is hot!!!

swimmer

 

[reefkprZ]

Vances tropical fish in Bucksport Me. owns the lagoon.

he built it himself. IMo there isnt enough lighting (2x 125 pendants) the skimmer is only rated for 220g, and the water temp is close to 75. but its not bad I used to work for him he is a good guy. it used to be a shark tank. once the shark died he started converting it to a reef lagoon. its been in the works for quite a while but being a super sm,all bussiness he has money issues (profit versus cost) like everyone else thats not a multinational chain.