Converting VHO to T5

[tvdao]

I bought a used tank and it has 5 60" VHO light. Would converting them to T5 makes sense? If so, should I get individual reflector? Appreciate any advice or guidance.

 

[returnofsid]

Individual reflectors or ICR (Individually Contoured Reflectors), which are bent, in a gull wing shape, around each bulb. Either will work just great.

IMO, YES, converting to T5s makes sense. You'll get much better penetration, and corals will thank you. Take a look here, for DIY Retrofit kits. http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/

Might have to give Greg a call, as not all of the reflectors are actually listed on his site, but they are available.

 

[sampets1984]

The only problem with that site is that if you have a tank thats 72" long they only go up to 60

 

[arearee]

The only problem with that site is that if you have a tank thats 72" long they only go up to 60

Then you buy two sets of 36" lights. or if you have an 8' tank, 48" lights.

 

[returnofsid]

Then you buy two sets of 36" lights. or if you have an 8' tank, 48" lights.

Yep Yep!!!!

 

[tat2z_21]

So the ballast for the VHO would fire off the T5's. I was told that it would not. I know that most ballasts go by tube length. For instanse a 660 can fire off a total of 16 ft of bulb length. I was under the impression that T5's require a higher initial voltage then what a regular flourescent bulb would need.

 

[tvdao]

Will the 660 fire the new T5? I was told that it would.

 

[fishoutofwater]

i had problems with mine firing 4 48" t-5's. hooked up 2 workhorse 7 ballasts and fired right up. no change in wiring.

 

[iroll253]

I thought vho's were better than t5's?

 

[tvdao]

Perhaps I could forget about VHO and T5 and go straight to LED's... It is quite a bit more money but at least it will be energy efficient.

 

[tat2z_21]

Well I have the inside scoop on some really nice led setups for really cheap. I am not sure if I should share my wealth, but since I like all of you. JK So I just recently ordered some LED grow lights from this website for under 40 dollars. There are 244 leds and really add color.

www.eaglelight.com

I ordered 2 of there LED grow lights and plan on using them for my refugium.

 

[tvdao]

You aren't suggesting that we replace our main light with these, are you?

 

[Echris]

My 660-90 fires my 4x24 t5's just fine, although it does overdrive them abit so the bulbs may not last as long.

 

[roscoe]

Well I have the inside scoop on some really nice led setups for really cheap. I am not sure if I should share my wealth, but since I like all of you. JK So I just recently ordered some LED grow lights from this website for under 40 dollars. There are 244 leds and really add color.

www.eaglelight.com

I ordered 2 of there LED grow lights and plan on using them for my refugium.

Those are nice. I've seen them in other applications that is not reef related.

 

[tat2z_21]

Well they work fine for vegetation. Not so much for a main display. THough the colors they add to the tank is out of this world. All yellows turn into a really vivid highlighter orange. And yes these lights are used for other reefing activities I suppose.

 

[BlueRam]

I was surprised to find out that the Icecap 430 would only light 2X 5T lamps. The Icecap 660 is rated for 4X T5, 16'. Knowing is half the battle.

http://www.icecapinc.com/ballasts/430-fluorescent-lamp-electronic-ballast

Will the 660 fire the new T5? I was told that it would.