Any VHO only users out there?

[lvreefer]

Are there any LPS Keepers out there running only VHO lighting on their tank(s)? I've had only nano reef's as of late and wanted to start up a larger reef again. The overall dimentions are still being played with, but it will not be any higher than 18" tall. I was thinking of running 4 VHO bulbs with a 1:1 ratio of 50/50 and actinic. Suggestions are always welcome. Heat build up is not a concern.

 

[Kogo]

20 long with 2 x 75w vho only

 

[CaptainDave]

I was running VHO only, but recently switched to a combination of T5 and VHO bulbs. I like the color much better now; I'm running, from front to back, VHO 50/50, T5 Blueplus, T5 Aquablue, VHO Actinic. My lights are too bright for LPS to be near the surface - they all do much better when near the bottom of my tank.

EDIT: Forgot to say that my tank is 21" tall.

 

[lvreefer]

Thanks for the replies. CaptainDave, do you have any pics?

Also how is the growth between the VHO vs. the VHO / HO (T5) combo? Do you notice any difference?

 

[CaptainDave]

I'll have to look around and see if I can find any. I think growth has increased slightly with the T5s, but I also added a much larger skimmer a month or two before changing lights so that could contribute. Colors are definitely better now - I'm loving the mix of actinic VHO and Blueplus T5, it's the best of both worlds in my opinion.

 

[lvreefer]

Are you running all 4 bulbs on an IceCap 660? Does it over drive the T5's?

 

[CaptainDave]

yup, all on the 660. My understanding is that the T5s are overdriven to around 80 watts.

 

[David Grigor]

It's all personal taste as to what bulb combinations you go with. I myself find 2 and 2 ratio to be too blue/purple for me. On a 4 bulb I prefer 3 Actinic/White and 1 Actinic. I myself run 3 VHO Acinics Whites and 2 Super Actinics to get the color I like. Daylights on a Icecap 660 and Actinics on a 430.

If this were me, what I would do is buy an extra of each bulb, so you can play with what you like best. Worst case, you have an extra of each in case on burned out or got damaged, and eventually can use as a replace for old bulbs.

I myself ran VHO/T5 combination on a 660 for a year. Bulbs were Actinic blues and VHO superactinics. ( I didn't like the Blue+ T5 bulbs ). Initially I was very fond of them. However, after a while, LPS corals color faded somewhat. They stayed same color only lighter. Also some didn't expand as much with the T5s. I will say my tank was very low nutrient and bare bottom which may have had an effect however lighting most definately played a role. Most LPS really don't need the additional PAR so really to me that isn't a reason to switch. I am now back to VHOs only on my LPS dominate tank with no desire to use T5s. If you did choose to run T5s for a LPS dominate tank there is no real reason to overdrive them. So like most things in this hobby, mileage will vary.............