Fluorescent VHO -VS- T5 VHO

[TheBluefish]

Hey Gang

This is driving me nuts! I'm trying to figure out the best performing and best-priced lighting method. Im almost sure I want a retro fit of some kind because I want to build a canopy. Running a MH will be a problem for the wiring in my room so its out of the question. I thought a T5 VHO system was going to be my choice but what about a Fluorescent VHO and T5 HO. Can someone here explain the difference in performance to me?

The new tank measures 18.5 W, 19.5 T, 36.5 L. and has a liquid volume of 54.3 gallons. I cant see spending $350+ for a complete Ice Cap retro fit for a 50-gallon tank. However I do want to be able to keep some types of hard coral. Would Fluorescent VHO or T5 HO lighting allow me to do this? Please see links below.

One of these Fluorescent VHO setups:
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=363

-VS-

2 of these T5 HO:
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1350

or?
http://cgi.ebay.com/6-Bulb-36-T5-T-5-HO-Aquarium-Lighting-System-234-watt_W0QQitemZ290334922589QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item43994f575d&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

uhg...my head hurts! :viking:

 

[goth2o]

if your not goin to use halides and you want to keep a good variety of corals. GET T-5'S i personally have/used a giessman retro fit and its awesome. I suggest getting a giessman set up i think its the best set up light wise ive seen. Oh yea dont buy standard vho's for your reef set up cause you will end up upgrading later.

 

[TheBluefish]

Thank you. Is 4 VHOs better then 6 39w HOs for my setup?

Please see link...
http://cgi.ebay.com/6-Bulb-36-T5-T-5-HO-Aquarium-Lighting-System-234-watt_W0QQitemZ290334922589QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item43994f575d&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

 

[RICHARDB]

hi sorry i know this is off the subjuct and im still new to this site and for some reason i cannot figure out how to write a postlolcan you help?

 

[ASommers]

The reflectors make the biggest difference for why T5 are so good.
Saying that you wanna stay away from that ebay unit and go with a 6 bulb T5 like the one from hellolights or from reef geek either one should allow you to keep most corals with the SPS up high.