Can someone explain VHO lights to me?

[kyarnkid]

I know about power compact and metal halide, but what are VHO lights. Are they just bulbs? I saw some lights, I think they were power compact, at my LFS and they let of this beautiful light blue color.
Do all these lights do that or am I looking at just one type?
I have a 55 gallon, I think its 4 feet across the top. What do you all recommend?
Thanks

 

[jakob4001]

VHO= Very High Output
really
they are a type of lighting; tend to give off less heat then PC & MH; you can get decent priced retrokit to maybe comp w/ a MH; ICECAP is suppose to be the best, but you of course pay for it;DO NOT BUY the ICECAP brand fans though; well unless YOU have unlimited funds to toss around on over priced bells & whistles can get for pennies on dollars elsewhere
um rather than posting some FAQ's; you might get a faster resolution if you check the FAQ section or use the search feature

 

[reefcrazy]

this his how a vho retro fit kit looks like it has two vho bulbs and a ballast

 

[mlm]

I have 55 gallon that is 4 feet across the top. I have 3 48 inch vho and 2 55 watt power compact. I would have had 4 48 inch vho but the way my hood is I had to go with 3vho + 2PC to get my desired wattage.

 

[kyarnkid]

I have one more question about lights. I cannot have metal halides because I really have no where to hang them. I cannot have a retro fit kit because of the way my canopy is. I would like to get Vho or Power Compact. I would like to get the fixtures to where they sit on top of the tank hoods. I want the lights that give off the prettiest blue.
What wattage should I have for my 55 gallon when I decide to go for a reef aquarium?
Do the fixtures contain 4 lights or only two?
Where can I find the best prices?
Would the fixtures get in the way of my hang on the back filters?
Do the fixtures need to be fan cooled?
Sorry guys for all the questions, just help me if you can
Thanks

 

[jakob4001]

yes fan cooled is best;high oputput lights can give off lots of heat;if your canopy is wooden & depending how high it is from the water level;you should be able to install retro kit

 

[kyarnkid]

So 260 watts would be enough for a 55 gallon?
Will this lighting let off a pretty blue? Most aquariums I have seen with power compact or VHO have the prettiest blue color that I want. That is why I keep asking about it.
Baron,
In the last post you showed me a picture of what you would suggest. Will this Item get in the way of my hang off the back filters? Does it come with a fan installed?
Will you please e mail me with the address you got it from or the best retailer.
kyarnkid@yahoo.com

 

[kyarnkid]

Will you e mail me Baron at kyarnkid@yahoo.com and tell me where you got this fixture from?
I would appreciate it