I was meaning high output T5s, which are 54w for a 48" tube, 39w for a 36" tube, etc. Get a parabolic aluminum reflector (up to 300% more light redirected, like this:
http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/...roducts_id=963 ) for the bulb and BANG.
Now if you're comparing normal output T5s to VHOs, you're correct, there -is- no comparison.
(sorry for hijacking the thread)