Reef Aquarium Lighting - T5, NO and VHO Reef Lighting
T5, NO and VHO Reef Aquarium Lighting
There are many options when choosing fluorescent aquarium lighting. The three main types of fluorescent aquarium lighting are Normal Output (NO), High Output (HO), and Very High Output (VHO). All of these fluorescents are linear in form, thus distributing light evenly across the water surface. Though HO bulbs are available as T12's, T8's, or T5's, you will very rarely see one aside from the T5.
T12 = 1.5"
diameter
T8 = 1" diameter
T5 = 5/8" or .625" diameter
T5 lighting was originally developed to be combined with
specialized reflectors for the lighting of aquariums. T5
bulbs come in various sizes and are rather thin in comparison
to standard fluorescent tubes and are more efficient. These
bulbs were developed because traditional fluorescent bulbs
couldn't light an area more than 8-10"; below the bulb.
Because of their efficiency and minimal heat output, T5
lights can be placed very close to the tank to maximize the
light output.
Normal Output (NO) lights are standard wattage bulbs that
come in various sizes and usually come with many stock
aquarium hoods.
Very High Output (VHO) bulbs provide more lumens as compared
to NO bulbs. All VHO bulbs are T12's in diameter. VHO
lighting generates less heat as compared to Metal Halides and
will generally need to be replaced about every six
months.
