T5 Retrofit lighting question

[phoenix20]

I'm planning on making the move from my current setup to a 72" long tank. I'm trying to plan the lighting, and am going to go T5 retrofit in the canopy.

Two questions...

1. What is the difference between the T5HO and the T5VHO?
$289, T5HO, 36" 4x39W, http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/36_inch__4x39W_SLR_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap">http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/36_inch__4x39W_SLR_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap</a>

$359, T5VHO 36" 4x39W, [IMG]http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/36_inch__4x39W_SLR_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap">http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/36_inch__4x39W_SLR_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap</a>

Is it just the ballast? Is the Icecap 660 really worth the additional $70? Both options above are driven by 2 x ballasts. The T5HO option use either the "Universal AccuStart or Vossloh-Schwabe" ballasts. Any negative opinions of either of those?


Since this is a 72" tank, I was thinking of purchasing 2x of these options, so
36 x 2 = 72 inches -- 8 bulbs total x 39w = 312 Total Watt -- T5HO = $589

Instead of doing just 1 x 60" setup like this:
[IMG]http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/60_inch__4x80W_SLR_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap">http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/60_inch__4x80W_SLR_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap</a>

60 x 1 = 60 inches -- 4 bulbs total x 80w = 320 Total Watt-- T5VHO = $559

There isn't an option here for a T5HO 60" retro kit...

So, I guess doubling up on the 36" is better? I get an additional 12" of bulb, for only $30? Its 8 less total watts for 12" more light? How does that make any sense?

What do you guys think about this setup?

 

[flyingarmy]

VHO is basically used for just actinic supplemental lighting. It really doesn't produce the PAR to grow anything but softies and some LPS. I'd go with the T5 setup up. Search for a thread by Cameron about his T5 lights. He had some great idea diagrams on how to put them in a canopy.

 

[gwhiz]

Careful. By the time you add endcaps two 36" bulbs may not fit end-to-end in your hood--they'll be a bit longer than 72". Measure first!

I bought a 60" retro kit that uses TekII reflectors. (IceCap doesn't make a 60" reflector, but one can be put together with two reflectors on one bulb.) I staggered my 60" bulbs to cover the full 72" of the tank (with some falloff on the ends. Others have just centered them.

The IceCap ballasts will generate more light (and heat) from the same bulbs.

 

[gwhiz]

flyingarmy;231988 wrote: Search for a thread by Cameron about his T5 lights. He had some great idea diagrams on how to put them in a canopy.

You're welcome to come look at my setup--I designed and built Cameron's and mine is similar....

 

[phoenix20]

How many 60" bulbs did you guys end up going with? 4, 6, or 8?

After reading through cameron's post and your suggestion, the 60" centered would probably be the best way to go.

 

[derek_s]

Actually, T5 VHO is different than old school VHO


T5s are rated to run a certain wattage, and when someone says they are running T5 VHOs, that means they are OVERDRIVING the wattage beyond the manufacturer's specs. In teh case of the 2 links you posted, the difference is the ballast, which in the VHO version is an ICECAP that will overdrive the bulbs.

This is a good thing if you dont mind sacrificing longevity for output. Overdriven lamps will produce MORE par in the case of T5s, but will require a fan cooling system and will probably need to be replaced more often (maybe 6-8 months, depending).

Also, reefgeek has good customer service, so feel free to call them and discuss your application with them. THey should give you some very good suggestions.

 

[gwhiz]

I've got a bowfront and I could fit seven total. Six are on IceCap ballasts and one on an advance ballast. The IceCap reflectors are a bit narrower than the TekII reflectors I used (2.5" vs 3" if I recall). Cameron used IC reflectors and fit six with a 2" gap down the middle for LEDs or moonlights.

 

[derek_s]

Also, here is my thread on my canopy build:
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16873">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16873</a>

I used 2 icecapp ballasts, IC reflectors, and 8 total lamps on a 48x24 tank.

 

[FutureInterest]

I would recommend going with the 60" bulbs. It's a small difference in overall output and less hassle to setup. In addition, you'll have less bulbs to replace in the future. Bulbs that are twice as long are not twice as expensive... in fact they tend to be just a few bucks more than much smaller bulbs.

 

[phoenix20]

Good call Jin. I didn't think about that.

Thanks!

 

[flyingarmy]

Excellent advice as always Jin..!

Chris.thanks for the info on the T5 VHO..didn't know that!