IceCap 430-020, want to buy VHO

[makofury]

Hey everyone, I have been currently using 48" flourescent coralife lighting. I want to upgrade to VHO. My question is what type of bulbs should I use? I think my IcepCap 430 supports two 48" VHO bulbs. Is this correct? Do I have to wire it any differently since im using VHO bulbs now instead of Flo? Does anyone have a website where I can get VHO bulbs? ANy info is appreciated. Thanks.
MakoFury

 

[bang guy]

Champion lighting sells VHO but there might be better prices elsewhere.
For now you can just replace the Coralife ballast with your IceCap. It won't be VHO but the IceCap will overdrive your flourescent bulbs to produce about twice the light. This will give your animals a chance to adapt to more light a little more gradually. When replacing the NO bulbs with VHO only change one bulb a week so they have a chance to adapt.
I highly recommend the URI AquaSun and SuperActinic bulbs.

 

[makofury]

Oops, I should clariy that the tank is being setup now, so the tank is empty. And for the past 2-3 years my flo bulbs have been powered by the Icecaps, i guess that wasn't a good idea. So does this mean that I can just buy two 48" vho bulbs right away? Also, when I get my live rock, should I keep the lights on regularly or should they be kept off to prevent an algae bloom? The tank is going to be FOWLR. Should I get a super actinic and a daylight bulb or a 50/50 bulb? thanks
MakoFury

 

[krusk]

is your IceCap 430 running 2 Normal output bulbs?
if so you can just replace the NO with 2 VHO bulbs.
with 2 bulbs, most ppl go with 1 actinic and 1 aquasun.
1 Actinic and 1 50/50 maybe alitte too blue.
As stated above URI VHO bulbs are recommended.

 

[makofury]

Yes, for the past few years my icecaps have been running NO bulbs. Im gonna go with URI bulbs, one daylight, one actinic. Thanks for everyone who replied, much appreciated.
Mako

 

[kdlbem]

I believe the 430 will run 3-48 inch bulbs. Check the Icecap website for wiring diagrams. You can't have too much light, right?
HTH,
B