Upgrading lights from VHO to MH/VHO

[cbashaw]

I have 440W of VHO lighting over my 110G tank and I'm planning to upgrade to 2 250W MH and keep 2 VHO's as actinics.
I plan for the tank to be mostly zoos and lps.

What bulbs (brand and color) will give the best coloration for Zoos but still get good growth?

What do i need to do to acclimate my tank to the new lighting?

 

[cbashaw]

I'm going to order my lights tomorrow.

I'm thinking of getting the xm 15K and using 2 110W Super Actinics

Is anyone using this lighting combo? If so please pst pics.

 

[mfinn]

I really like the 14k Hamiltons.
The 15k Xm's have a bad rep for par, but that should affect zoanthids and lps.
As far as acclimation, you need to do something.
One of the easiest ways I've found was to use some like eggcrate to span the top of the tank.
Get enough window screen material to cover the tank 4-5 times.
Every 3-4 days remove one layer of window screen.
That should give your present corals time to get use to the new lighting.

 

[cbashaw]

Thanks

I ended up ordering a pair of 250W coralview retro kits that come with 10K bulbs. The price was great so I couldn't pass it up. I'll probably try the 14k when it's time to replace the bulbs.

I bought some egg crate and window screen last night.

 

[jasonj90]

if you have the room you should keep all 440 watts of VHO as well as your halides. this way you can use your 10k halide and supplement actinic with VHO. this is what i am doing over my 90, and the light is great. i think that would be a good way to go since you already will have the 10k halides. but i can also understand if you dont have the room, i had to cram all of that into my canopy. not an easy task...

 

[cbashaw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8006405#post8006405 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jasonj90
if you have the room you should keep all 440 watts of VHO as well as your halides. this way you can use your 10k halide and supplement actinic with VHO. this is what i am doing over my 90, and the light is great. i think that would be a good way to go since you already will have the 10k halides. but i can also understand if you dont have the room, i had to cram all of that into my canopy. not an easy task...

I think I may be able to fit all 4 VHO's I'll try that and see how it comes out.

Do you have any pictures of your setup?

 

[jasonj90]

no i dont have any pics, but basically i just put the VHOs 2 on either side of the halides. maybe ill get some pics for you later...