VHO lighting question

[flapjack1439]

I've got a 58 oceanic and run 4 75 watt vhos, 2 super actinic and 2 actinic white. I just picked up a nice orange zoa frag from aquatic guru, thanks Mo, and they look considerably duller in my tank.

I am thinking of changing the actinic white to aquasun bulbs (10,000 K). Would that improve the color of my corals?

I can add two more bulbs, with the ballasts I have, but wonder if it's neccesary.

 

[Whaledriver]

How old are the actinic bulbs?
You might like a extra actinic bulb more than a white bulb, it will make things glow a little more.
It might also be that its not settled into the new tank yet?

 

[Ramble On Rose]

Depending on the age of the actinics right now, I would either replace them or add more. That will probably have a bigger impact on coloration then changing from the half and halfs to the aquasuns (which would probably make the colors stand out less if anything).

 

[Douglas LEHMAN]

Hello
I have 5 VHO's on my 125, 2 actinic, 2 actinic white (50/50's) and a aquasun. With your four bulb set up, I'd try the following 2 actinic, 1 50/50 and 1 aquasun.

 

[flapjack1439]

I think they're settled in fine. The bulbs are only about 3- 4 months old. Aqautic guru runs cfs 2 actinics and 2 10,000 k and they look great. Don't halides run 10, 000 k? How about 20, 000 k, isn't that shifted towards the blue end?

 

[goat585]

I have the same problem with brightly color zoo's. I run 4-110watt VHO's 2 actinic whites and two actinics. The zoo's fade in my tank as well. I think that it is the difference between halides and vho's which makes the color difference. The halides bring out better colors than the vho's in experience.

Did you by the zoo's from a guy with halides?

 

[flapjack1439]

Hey Doug, what do you think of adding 2 more and running 2 of each? I'd have a total 450 watts on the system.

 

[Douglas LEHMAN]

Hello
If you have room for 6 bulbs, try 3 actnic, 2 50/50 and a aquasun in the middle.

 

[flapjack1439]

Doug,

Maybe it's a wattage and depth thing. How many watts are you pushing and how deep is your tank?

goat

How deep is your tank and how many gallons?

 

[flapjack1439]

Anyone?