Time to choose my actinic supplementation and price is pretty close so which would be better. Note this is purely for dawn/dusk effects and some minor supplementation but intensity is not that critical. I'll likely only be running a couple of 18 or 24 watt bulbs.
PC or T5HO for my actinic supplementation
- Thread starter jonboyb
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T12 VHO actinic are the only way to go.
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I would rank them like this.
1) VHO T12
2) T5 HO
3) PC
You can't beat the Actinic effect of a T12 VHO bulb for some reason. I have tried Actinic bulbs from the same company in both T12 VHO and T5 HO and the VHO look better IMO.
BTW, many T5 Actinc bulbs are not true Actinics. I strongly suggest URI Actinic bulbs.
1) VHO T12
2) T5 HO
3) PC
You can't beat the Actinic effect of a T12 VHO bulb for some reason. I have tried Actinic bulbs from the same company in both T12 VHO and T5 HO and the VHO look better IMO.
BTW, many T5 Actinc bulbs are not true Actinics. I strongly suggest URI Actinic bulbs.
VHOs are getting harder to find.
They are nicer light, but the "mainstream" distributors have quit carrying them. The specialty lighting distributors still manufacture/carry them, but I've been surprised when trying to get replacement lamps for folks with VHO setups.
Compact fluorescents are still still easy enough to get - but they should be disposed of properly as they do contain mercury (albeit a small amount). These tend to be more expensive than T12 VHO or T5HO.
There are lots of choices in T5 now - more and more companies are stepping up to the plate and raising the bar on quality and variety of lamps. T5HO are also easier on the wallet.
Jenn
They are nicer light, but the "mainstream" distributors have quit carrying them. The specialty lighting distributors still manufacture/carry them, but I've been surprised when trying to get replacement lamps for folks with VHO setups.
Compact fluorescents are still still easy enough to get - but they should be disposed of properly as they do contain mercury (albeit a small amount). These tend to be more expensive than T12 VHO or T5HO.
There are lots of choices in T5 now - more and more companies are stepping up to the plate and raising the bar on quality and variety of lamps. T5HO are also easier on the wallet.
Jenn
Hate to bring this thread back up, but space limitations in my canopy are limiting me a bit. I have room for 2, 24w T5HO bulbs or 2, 65w PC bulbs for my actinics.
I'm thinking that the PC's are my best bet now since I can stuff 82 additional watts in the same space. Would you still choose the lower wattage T5HO's???
I'm thinking that the PC's are my best bet now since I can stuff 82 additional watts in the same space. Would you still choose the lower wattage T5HO's???
