CF vs. VHO vs. T5 lights?

[BigDog54]

I've been searching for a lighting system for my future 240 FOWLR tank. It may end up a fish only tank but FOWLR is the plan for now.

With that said whats the difference between CF, VHO, and T5 lights?

Whats the best choice for a FOWLR tank?

Whats the best choice for a fish only tank?

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[seaham358]

I have not checked prices in a while on lighting but I would think that the PC and T5 is going to run you more money to buy then a VHO set up.
You could get away with 2 ballasts and run 4 VHo bulbs on them, 2 Super actinic and to white. This is enough for soft corals also if you want to go that way later.
I like the URI bulbs best...
How long is that tank? the VHO do come in 6', 4' bulbs
For a fowlr and FO you do not need intense lighting so if you wanted to go even cheaper you can get some NO lighting for the tank. You just won't get good light penetration deep in the tank but it will be fine for a fowlr or fo tank.

 

[BigDog54]

The tank is 96x24x24.............what the difference in all these lights. Is one better than the other?