Lighting help please

[lmw80]

Ok, now that the 110 is in, Daniel and I need to start thinking of lighting. We will be having a FOWLR tank that may, in years to come become a reef. For right now, however, I would like to concentrate on lighting just for a FOWLR tank.

PC's and T-5's is what it's against most likely. MH's are just too expensive. It is my impression that T-5's are more energy efficient? For the same light output for a 110 FOWLR, what would I need in PC's and what would I need if I did T-5's?

The plan is to do a hanging light. How much room inbetween the light and the tank can there be?

A lot of questions, I know, sorry, this is my first dive into SW! I am excited and really scared!

 

[seaham358]

How about VHO?
T-5s are nice I have a few friends who use them and they love them. They say you need to make sure the light has a high quality reflector to get all the output from the bulbs.
These are not cheap lights either...

 

[geckofrog]

6 inches (approx) of room is what I have on my lights, of course I have MH, and I don't want to close to the water otherwise the tank temp will raise since the lights are so stinkin hot!

 

[lmw80]

VHO is a type of flourescent light, right? Just puts out more light?

 

[Tex]

VHO is a type of flourescent light, right? Just puts out more light?

Yes, VHO = very high output, HO = high output and NO = normal output.
VHO's will draw more electric current and will cost a little more to operate. From what I understand the T5's have the lumen output of a VHO but use less electricity, last much longer and of course are smaller so you use more in a given space. If you plan on hanging light then you have lots and lots of options.

Try these guys.
http://www.aquatictech.com/internet_specials.html

 

[Brenden]

Tex: You been reading up on lights?