VHO Replacement?

[freddie40]

I use 2 VHOs mainly for dusk/dawn and supplementation. What is the recommended replacement for this situation?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[spstimie]

Sorry for the obvious but...

PC, T5, LED, Halide or VHO! What Par, spread, color do you want to replace?

 

[freddie40]

VHO Super Actinic bulbs.

Dave

 

[rmougey]

Depending on your ballast, you could simply swap out the VHO endcaps for T5 endcaps. There are several good choices in the T5 line including UVL Actinic, UVL 75/25 or ATI Blue Plus bulbs that would achieve the same effect as your VHOs.

T5 bulbs are available in 24, 36, 48 and 60" lengths. IceCap ballasts will run either, though older ballasts may need to be updated to run T5s (typically free).

-Rob

 

[freddie40]

No, no no no no. What I would like to know is what is the recommended replacement time for VHO bulbs

Thanks,

Dave

 

[jpc763]

I have the same thing (VHO Actinic suplimental) and I was told 12-18 months on the VHO bulb.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Especially with super actinics you can go a little bit longer, the color spectrum may shift slightly but nothing to worry about.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

With the 660 ballast some oldtimers have claimed to get good use out of the actinics for 2 years. Next time that wild hair sprouts throw a new lamp in one of your slots and see how it compares to the old ones. I'd let is run a hour or so before making the comparison. If the old lamp has lost it you shouldn't see the UFO's you typically see when looking at a newer lamp, the UV causes your eyes to do weird things and as the lamp ages that should be the first thing to peter out.

 

[cmacld]

i usually change mine out every 8 to 10 months and notice a big improvement! im running dual 160wt powered by ARO ballasts over my 180.