anyone still using t12 vho

[cap23244]

I was wondering if anyone was still using t12 vho's
I am rebuilding my current usa 72" 3x150 and 4x96w pc bulb fixture. 3 of the 4 pc ballast are bad
thought about putting 4 60" t5s in there but 2 160w t12s would work. just need to find a t12 2 bulb reto fit ballast
or a 4bulb retro fit t5 ballast that will run 4 80w bulbs

trying to find some used ones but no luck

 

[moondoggy4]

Looking for 80 w ballast look at BRS and the Let Lighting they have the 80 watt setup.

 

[jkapit]

This ballast will power 2 160 Watt T-12 bulbs, I am not recommending the seller, but this was a direct replacement for the VHO ballast in my 72" MH VHO system. It's made for sun tanning beds and has worked fine for me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/302189.../apple-store/id282614216?pt=9247&mt=8&ct=uljs

 

[alton]

Although you can still find T12 VHO lamps, I do not believe they are made any longer.

 

[grigsy]

I was using them and found them to be amazing lights for a reef tank especially as supplemental lighting to MH.

They produce great color. I was getting replacement bulbs from DFS because they always had bulbs in stock and their price was good.

You may be able to find a used Ice Cap VHO 660 ballast out there which will run 2x160 watt vhos

VHO bulbs are still made for aquarium use just not for commercial industrial use.

 

[royy13]

I have an old ice cap 660 that I will occasionally use to overwinter tropical plants in my garage.

 

[jda]

UVL still makes the bulbs. They still have a big following among the experiences reefers... especially the VHO Super Actinic which cannot be matched by any T5. They are twice the power of same length T5, but also twice the output... and you only have to replace one bulb not two.

 

[cap23244]

can anyone who has 160w 72" bulbs tell me is the bulb with the end pins exactly 72".? my fixture is 72" if so I would have to cut out the ends of the fixture for the endcaps.
just trying to narrow it down.

 

[cap23244]

also how often do the vho antinc bulbs need replaced
thanks

 

[jda]

According to UVL, they last about half again as long as T5. I always used to use them for two years - they were just supplements.

 

[maddmaxx]

also how often do the vho antinc bulbs need replaced
thanks

i would change mine out once a year. they are only supplemental lighting...

 

[billdogg]

When I used them as the only light source I changed them about yearly. I could always tell by the proliferation of nuisance algaes.

I got all my replacement bulbs from www.hellolights.com but it's been a few years