Lighting? Is my LFS trying to pull a fast one?

[cruises8]

Okay, I know this subject has been beaten to death with the number of posts about it, but I have to ask. I have read many posts on lighting and did a search as well. The number of questions on lighting is amazing! I have a 96w PC (5700k?, I believe) and two 48" NO. The tank right now is mostly FOWLR, but I do have some star polyps and mushrooms that are doing fine. I would like to be able to add some more difficult corals in the future. That being said, I want to replace the NO's with either 2 VHO or PC actinics. I've read that the VHO's are better actinics than the PC's, but the guy at my LFS said to go with PC's. He said that VHO's are getting phased out. Is he trying to put one over on me? They have both lights in stock. Along with the 2 actinics, I also want to add another daylight bulb. Either PC or VHO. What do you think? Any info is appreciated!

 

[fishfood]

I really don't know the answer to this because i don't know much about all the light. I have a 55 reef set up with 3 VHO's by icecap. I also have a 75 waiting to be set up that has a MH and two VHO's with it. Now i was down at the lfs the other day and they said they are trying to use just VHO's on the set-ups that they do around town. I was suprised because i thougth they would push the MH. I don't know. I don't think they us PC at all but i may be wrong.
I have basically the same stuff in the tank (3 leathers, shrooms, buttons and stars) Looking at getting a hammer soon so i can't tell you how well they do under the lights that i have.
good luck

 

[hondo]

go back to what kind of "difficult corals" will you want to keep. If your talking about SPS then the answer is add some MH lighting. This is better than both PC or VHO. Also numerous places on the net to buy lighting from so compare prices and save $$$ as any lighting is expensive.
try this site for MH retrofit kits just make sure you upgrade the bulb: <a href="http://www.aquaticlight.com" target="_blank">www.aquaticlight.com</a>

 

[rickt4du]

Having had both PC's abd VHO I can tell you that actinic VHO are much better as far as the way the light looks. I have corals thriving under both types. My money is on VHO though. As far a phasing VHO out, I think your LFS is smoking something funny. Have a Great Day...

 

[cruises8]

Thanks guys! I was thinking the same thing about the LFS. I think I'm going to add 2 VHO actinics and another PC to go with the one I have. The one I have is a 6700k not a 5700k like I put before! Should I get another 6700k or should I get a 10000k. I'm not much for the yellow look that the 6700k gives, so I might go with the 10000k. What do you think!
cruises8

 

[broomer5]

I prefer the 10,000K's
Much cleaner brighter bluer(sp) lighting.
Oh yeah ...
I agree with Rickt4du, I think in addition to smoking something funny, your LFS dude may have been dropped on his head as a small child <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" /> and just finds it easier to remember 2 letter acronyms for lights
Can you say VHO ....
VHO to be phased out .. not likley.
Maybe HE'S going to eventually be phasing them out at his store .... dunnno <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />