lighting upgrade... I know, I know...

[jacksonpt]

I know this topic has been discussed (or perhaps beaten to death ). I did a search and read through some old posts, but some of it was over my head. Currently, I have standard flourscent lighting, and I'd like to upgrade so I can get into some more 'exotic' corals and anemones. I can't sink a ton of money into it, so VHO seems to be the way to go. What do I need to bump up to VHO... obviously I need the bulbs, and I know I need a balast - what exactly is a balast, what's it do? What else do I need to be thinking about? I saw that some people got the balast cheap at local electrical supply stores... what do I need to know so I can call them about pricing/info on a balast?
Anything else I need to know? Thanks everyone.
[ August 23, 2001: Message edited by: jacksonpt ]

 

[javajoe]

I echo your question!
I asked a similar question a while ago, and got some response- i refered to the link about DYI lighting---
Here
Anyway- got a few replies, and even a picture of a tank from someone who has this setup- but no one has answered the 'wattage' question. The DYI page says to use a 40w ballast, but i am wondering if this is enough, and also, after going to Home ***** and looking at different ballasts and not seeing the wattage, how do you know what to look for?
anyone else built there own lights?

 

[jacksonpt]

bump...

 

[sonny]

VHO lighting requires a special ballast, which is the transformer that converts the electricity to the right voltage to run the lamps. The lamps are much brighter than NO tubes. A 48 inch VHO tube is 110 watts, almost 3 times the wattage. You will also need high quality end caps to hold the lamps. They get much warmer than NO tubes. If you can find the "German" endcaps, those are really good. You will be much better off in the long run if you invest in an Icecap ballast. Get the 660 ballast. It can run up to four 48 inch tubes, but can also run just one if that's what you want. It can also be attached to an Icecap dimmer and dim the on-off cycle on a special timer. That's all extra, but the 440 ballast won't do that, and also will only run 2 tubes. The down side is that this ballast costs about $175. The ballast you might find in an electrical store will run much hotter, and the lamps won't last as long. With an Icecap, the lamps need to be replaced about once a year. With the other kind, they need to be replaced every 6 months. It won't take long for the ballast to pay for itself in lamps alone. I would recommend you at least look at Metal Halide for your 75 gallon tank. It will cost about the same to get the two 175 watt fixtures with bulbs. (Look for the PFO brand ballasts you can get a dual lamp ballast for about $120. Lamps will be about $75 each for 10,000k.) If you use 10,000 k lamps, then you will not need any other lighting. There is no lighting that gives you the same intensity in that small of a space. Just so you will know your options. MH Lamps also need to replaced about once per year.
Sonny

 

[jacksonpt]

Thanks for the replys... it's all good info, and I can see I've still got some reasearch I need to do before I plop down the cash.