VHO penetration

[Capt_Cully]

We've all seen the PAR meter readings on various MH and T5 configurations and wattages. Does anyone know how well VHO's penetrate?

Walter had mentioned, and I agree, how well Todd's torch does under them. Really optimizes it's color. As my new aquarium (27 deep) will have my large TT as a centerpiece/showpiece. I'm toying with throwing one VHO bulb, right up front.

Would a single 4 foot VHO have enough PAR to reach a coral that is about 25-30 inches away from the bulb?

Whaddya think?

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

IMHO it's less about penetration and more about the EXACT spectra you can hit with the different forms of lighting. IME there's very little that can exactly duplicate the "classic" look from URI VHOs, and some corals definitely color up well under those lamps.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Yep, I've seen it with my own eyes. LEDs do wonders. Certain T5 combos can be phenomenal. MH shimmer? Fuhgedaboutit! But, some corals really pop under VHOs, TT and certain SPS to name a few.

 

[captain7359]

PC's did the trick iirc for todd & playfair. Can't remember if it was the 420 or 460nm spectrum that did it though.

THis is the best I can remember TT's looking, but it still doesn't show how it flouresced.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-02/totm/images/topshrooms.htm

Anyone have links to Playfairs or Todd's website or are they both gone?

 

[Dave VG]

I'm setting up a 2 bulb VHO Super Actinic 420nm with 180 degree internal reflectors on an IC 660 over my 40B. Hoping for lots of pop. I will add 2 more bulbs if I get the results I like.

 

[tmz]

I use the uri actinic vho's on the three displays. I love the look. They seem to reach specimens on the bottom of my 24 inch deep tanks. I'll have to do a lux test to see how much pentrates ,don't have a par meter. The Todd's is about 12 inches down under them and 20k 175 halides and is quite colorful.

 

[Dave VG]

Oh and I'm running a 250 watt MH as a primary about 30" off the water. I have 2 24" T-5's that get washed out by the MH and do little to fluoresce anything.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Anyone have links to Playfairs or Todd's website or are they both gone?

looks like they're gone. Too bad.

here's a link to Playfair's last TOTM write up. I know Dave had some trick bulbs in his hood!

I don't know much about VHO actinic penetration. I use URI VHO actinics to supplement my Ushio 14k halides.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Would a single 4 foot VHO have enough PAR to reach a coral that is about 25-30 inches away from the bulb? Whaddya think?

I think it would give the desired look

 

[MarkKlier]

Just played with my par meter and my VHO's above the 220. I have 2x 6 footers, rested them 2" above the water. PAR was 30-40 at a depth of 6-10 inches. It went down to about 6-10 at the bottom. Certain corals (candy canes, 20,000 leagues acro) look just fine at the bottom with that par. The watermellon echino did not pop like it should.
I'm really struggling with this issue myself.