Anyone still using VHO flourescents

[Callok]

I have an 8' mixed reef tank including a fair amount of sps, lit by 2 Kessil AP700's with 4' VHO actinic's on each side. (ie total of 4 - 4' 110w actinic VHO). My Icecap ballast just gave out. Should I:

1) Replace the ballast
2) Convert to t5's (If I put 4-4' t5's I think it will be a drop in wattage to 54w each, will there be a corresponding drop in light output.) Weighing light output vs greater availability of bulbs.
3) Just run the AP700's alone.

 

[Mr. Bill]

2. And no, there won't be much difference. By design, the T5HO produces more PAR per watt than T12VHOs.