T5 Retro Upgrade from VHOs

Reg1987 · Jun 30, 2009

What is the best T5 Retro Kit for installing within a canopy?
How many and what type of bulbs would be best?

I am considering upgrading my 90 gal from 4 VHOs to T5s. I currently have mostly soft corals and am overrun with hairy mushrooms and tree corals. They grow profusely. However, the LPS's seem to survive, but not thrive.

the floor guy · Jun 30, 2009

what kind of ballast do u have? icecap 660? u can just buy new t5 ends and reflectors and bulbs. t-5's use a reflector while the t-12's had it built in the bulb

Reg1987 · Jun 30, 2009

Ballasts are PFO Lighting, Inc. Electronic Ballast Model PFOH - 4

the floor guy · Jun 30, 2009

? i dont know about that ballast someone else will have to help from here but i would think it would run t5's also ?

the floor guy · Jun 30, 2009

reefgeek usually has good prices http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/

bimmerzs · Jun 30, 2009

@Reg1987 wrote:

What is the best T5 Retro Kit for installing within a canopy? How many and what type of bulbs would be best? I am considering upgrading my 90 gal from 4 VHOs to T5s. I currently have mostly soft corals and am overrun with hairy mushrooms and tree corals. They grow profusely. However said:
Hi,

With what you have you do not need the icecap ballast as these will overdrive the bulbs. A regular T5 setup with reflectors, is more than adequate for your corals needs. You can easily get 6-8 T5 bulbs over the 90G but would suggest a minimum of 6 bulbs with 2 for dawn/dusk effect. You can find standard ballast for T5's very reasonably priced just get quality bulb's and you can fine tune the tank coloration to exactly how you like it. As mentioned reefgek has about the best pricing on the high output retrofit's in whatever length you need.

Cheers,

vthondaboi · Jun 30, 2009

I know you don't get much growth but that might be due to other reasons then the type of lights as I've seen good growth out of LPS and Softies with VHOs before.

IMHO, no T5 setup will match the colors you get with VHOs.

bimmerzs · Jul 1, 2009

@vthondaboi wrote:

IMHO said:
I would agree if you are talking strictly VHO actinic's, overall coloration choice, tunability, output and growth, goes to T5's....hands down imo. :lol:

Cheers,