Adding supplemental Light VHOs

[wboyden]

Looks like I am finally getting around to this, I have a 2 bulb VHO retrofit kit
(Thanks Michele) looking to add more blue to the tank, Currently I have a 4x65 PC Fixture it has 2-10k and 2 Ultra Actinic Bulbs. I have a 75 Gallon tank.

I am going to be using the VHO retrofit kit, looking for suggestions on bulbs.

I only did a quick look at UV Lightings site and found a few choices;

T12 V-HO actinic white aquarium lighting
The combination of 50% 420nm and 50% triband phosphors makes this the lamp great for coral, live rock and related marine life. The 12,000 Kelvin temperature peak gives the Actinic White a true daylight spectrum

T12 V-HO SUPER actinic aquarium lighting
The most widely used aquarium lamp on the market for over 20yrs. The 100% Blue spectrum, which peaks at 420nm allows chlorophyll absorption which simulates photosynthesis. Great for reef and coral enhancement.

T12 V-HO AQUASUN aquarium lighting
The best technologically advanced aquarium lamp on the market. Containing a mixture of unique triband phosphors that peak at 10,000 Kelvin temperature is used for optimum plant and coral growth. Can be used for Fresh and Saltwater Aquarium tanks.

T12 V-HO 75.25 aquarium lighting
The first lamp to offer 75% 420nm and 25% triband white phosphors. This lamp peaks at 460nm and has 14,000 Kelvin temperature. The unique blue/purple look is perfect for coral enhancement and growth.

T12 V-HO 454 aquarium lighting
The Ultra Blue 454 lamp is made of 85% 454nm and 15% 420nm spectrum. The look is undeniably blue which adds depth to any aquarium large or small; makes more vibrant colors appear. Great supplement lamp to any aquarium


I also found out they sell the same bulbs in 65 watt PC form, So know Keeping in mind I am going for more of a "blue" look and want the corals to show more color also want the corals to be healthy and grow.

Thinking maybe either a actinic white or 75.25 and a SUPER actinic or 454


Thoughts? Suggestions?
Tank is basiclly a softie tank, Zoo/Palys, Mushrooms, Leathers Etc. Will this lighting increase what I can keep in there?

Thanks in advance

 

[tank o tang]

I love the way my T-12 vho actinics make the blue pop with my mh's. If you are only using them as a actinic supplement to your pc's they won't increase par by much. If it were me I'd scrap the vho's and pc's and go with a retro 4-bulb t-5 retro setup (even though I prefer mh's). What kind of ballast? You may just be able to swap the endcaps to t-5 if you go this route.

 

[tank o tang]

Also, If you don't want to go that way you can always pull out the pc's and use all vho's. If you want to play with the colors I have a bunch of old vho bulbs but they are 5ft. Can probably even find some endcaps.

 

[wboyden]

I love the way my T-12 vho actinics make the blue pop with my mh's. If you are only using them as a actinic supplement to your pc's they won't increase par by much.

I am only planning on keeping softies for the most part, I have had a few suggestions on acans and a few LPS but not sure Yet.

If it were me I'd scrap the vho's and pc's and go with a retro 4-bulb t-5 retro setup (even though I prefer mh's). What kind of ballast? You may just be able to swap the endcaps to t-5 if you go this route.

The PC fixture came with the setup I got and I got the VHO for Free, Not sure about just switching the endcaps I have a PFO ballast for 2 VHO Bulbs 1 Side says 1 foot bulb the other side says 1 4,5 or 6 foot bulb

Also, If you don't want to go that way you can always pull out the pc's and use all vho's. If you want to play with the colors I have a bunch of old vho bulbs but they are 5ft. Can probably even find some endcaps.

Mainly trying to find a balance between good coral health/growth and color

 

[wboyden]

I am only planning on keeping softies for the most part, I have had a few suggestions on acans and a few LPS but not sure Yet.

The PC fixture came with the setup I got and I got the VHO for Free, Not sure about just switching the endcaps I have a PFO ballast for 2 VHO Bulbs 1 Side says 1 foot bulb the other side says 1 4,5 or 6 foot bulb

Well I got alittle curious about the settings that were written on the "ballast" and how it didnt show anything about the electrical wiring so I opened the white casing and what I found inside was 2 workhorse 5 Ballasts.

So my options open up alot as it can run a large grouping of fluorescent lighting each ballast can run upto 128 watts

It appears to start with T5HO bulbs but then goes T8-T10-T12 Both NO and HO Bulbs.

Right now I only have T12 Endcaps and Standoffs but the T5 ones arent that costly