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View Full Version : What do you prefer VHO or PC?

TNTCanada
10-11-2005, 05:57 AM
It’s time my 4’ NO 2X40w Actinic lights are just not cutting it any more. I need an up grade. I would like to get other reefers opinions on VHO and PC lighting what they prefer and why.

I am running 2X250 10,000k Medal Halides on a 90g. I have SPS, LPS, Softies, Zoos, and Clams.

I hope to pick something second hand local or buy new soon.

Thanks for your thoughts

Tyler
EmilyB
10-11-2005, 06:07 AM
I would never pick PC over VHO for actinic. :biggrin:
muck
10-11-2005, 06:48 AM
Im going with VHO super actinics on my next setup.
hockey nut
10-11-2005, 06:51 AM
I have VHO and realy like them and if I had to choose I would buy them again.

just my 0.02$ worth
SeaHorse_Fanatic
10-11-2005, 07:31 AM
Must agree with the others. PCs are dang expensive to replace & VHO I think make better actinics anyways.

Anthony
Ruth
10-11-2005, 12:09 PM
I have to agree with everyone else VHO - particularly for the actinic. The T5 are nice as well.
DanG
10-11-2005, 02:25 PM
VHO or T5 for actinics.
TNTCanada
10-11-2005, 04:54 PM
Thanks for everyone replys I think I have my answer :mrgreen:
Now to find some.

Cheers
Tyler
Jaws
10-11-2005, 10:29 PM
The problem with VHO's is the amount of heat they produce. If I was going with just actinic or fluorescent lighting then I would go VHO but if I already had MH's then I would go with PC. They're easy to remove if I need more room in the tank and produce way less heat. JMO.
reeferaddict
10-11-2005, 10:40 PM
Ya I went PC as well.... the lumens output is right in between NO's and VHO's but the bulbs last 2 -3 times as long and produce WAY less heat....
muck
10-11-2005, 10:42 PM
Anyone running T5 Actinics..??
reeferaddict
10-11-2005, 10:49 PM
Have a good read on T5's..... they're not all they're cut out to be... output is closer to NO than PC's... I think PC's give way more bang for the buck... just my opinion...
Jaws
10-11-2005, 11:23 PM
What is the difference in life expectancy between the two?
DanG
10-11-2005, 11:59 PM
Anyone running T5 Actinics..??

I've got 2 sets of 36" HO T5's running on my tank, combined 156w, 2 10k, 2 actinic. I switched from 2x96w PC's and the difference is amazing. They are brighter and they run cooler. The whole key to T5's is that they are the HO model, and you have the correct reflector. There are cheap V shaped ones, but the right ones are shaped like a W.
I do not regret going to T5's at all.
Invigor
10-12-2005, 12:02 AM
they're not all they're cut out to be... output is closer to NO than PC's....

:rolleyes:

I wasn't satisfied with PCs at -all-.
Bryan
10-12-2005, 01:04 AM
From what I have read the T5 actinics are best if the the T5 Blue + bulbs are used, not sure who the mfg is, but apparently they really improve the look of a tank as opposed to other mfg version of T5 actinics.