T5 Orientation Question

[HerbieK]

I am in the process of planning a new hood for my 180 Gal and I am torn between VHO or T5 supplementation for my 3 250 Watt 10K MHs.

I am thinking of going T5 w/ 8 24 inch bulbs oriented perpendicular to the tank, putting them in pairs between my MH reflectors which will also have my MH SE bulbs oriented perpendicular to the tank.

I was considering running 2 groups of 4 so that I can switch on one of the pairs, and then the second for that dawn/dusk effect.

Has anyone used this arrangement?

My alternative is using two 6 ft. VHO actinics and calling it a day.

I currently have to Icecap 660s that I can use for this project.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Herb

 

[mott768]

Why not go with 2 or 4 5' T5's they will generate a lot less heat than VHO's

 

[IrradiatedReef]

I would go with the T5 over the VHO.