T-5's

Here Lighting the Reef Tank: A Primer for Beginners by Doug Wojtczak - Reefkeeping.com

 

VHO as the OP is talking about are T12 very high output bulbs. 105W for a 48" bulb.

Power compact are not VHO they are close to HO actually just a bad design that keeps them from producing as much PAR.

 

You can use your to run T5HO and will overdrive them as stated by Ingtar. You will also cut their useful life in half. You will not gain a large amount of par. I would suggest getting a T5HO retrofit kit from www.hellolights.com or www.reefgeeks.com.

 

What about the Icecap 660? Can I run these T-5 bulbs with that ballast?

 

Yes see my previous post.

 

Found a great link! Answered all my T-5 questions

 

Forgot to post
Introduction | What are T5 Lamps? | T5 Fluorescent Systems | Lighting Answers | NLPIP

 

That is a good link but it is more appropriate for commercial lighting than the specialized use we have in our aquariums. The greatest plus for T5 lighting is in the reflectors. They are far more efficient and also the fact that you can have more bulbs in the same amount of space if needed. Par is the most important factor in our tanks and T5HO whip T8 and T12 bulbs soundly.

 

I stand corrected... guess one really is never too old to learn. Thank you.

 

There is so much information you need a scorecard to keep up.

BTW UVL T5HO bulbs are rated/designed to be VHO or overdriven.