T12 VHO vs T5 HO

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by parkinsn

Im not sure about the fish tank world, but in the electrical world lighting MFR's stopped production on T12 fixtures (and were banned in north america 2 years ago) The lamps and ballasts went the same way as of July first. That being said you may have issues getting replacement lamps in the future. As for light output couldnt really tell you.

Hmmmm...
If that ever actually affects in inflow of aquarium vho bulbs I guess that'll make the decision to switch pretty easy...lol

since they are still readily available at almost any LFS for now though, my querry still stands...

Thanks for that info though....defnitely did not know that.

[fencer]

I have tried both on the same tank one was a 4 x T12 VHO and the other was a 8 x T5 HO. Both are good. The URI T12 carry an internal reflector also.

[gobytron]

yeah..lol
I'm all URI...

so how did you find the two compared with similar wattages?

Particularily in regards to the phosphorescence?

[fencer]

I use 75.25 + actinic in both cases. The T12 looks better in terms of colour. The T12 combination glow pinkish/blue. T5 light up more of the bottom as there are 8 bulbs vs 4. Heat is greater in the T5 HO