New Lighting - What do you think?

[rich1515]

Okay, this weekend I went from a Power Compact 110W to a 220W VHO set-up for my 75 gallon.
Maybe I am just not used to the new look but tell me what you think.
Here is the before picture -

 

[rich1515]

Here is the after pic -

 

[rich1515]

Did I buy in haste? What will the added wattage do for my tank besides REALLY bring out the color on my metallic brain?

 

[scarybo]

I like the new look. I went this weekend from 220 pc to 380 VHO. I love the atinic look and my corals opened up great with the new light.

 

[reefersx2]

It definitely looks better! Like scarybo I like the actinic look too. I think it was a wise choice and it should make your corals happy. You've got a really nice set up. How long has your tank been running?

 

[entice59]

i think it looks amazing! wow, the attinic really stands out

 

[jonthefb]

i dunno rich, are you disappointed with the look? there is quite a bit of difference between the pcs and the Vhos, i guess it all just depends on what youve been around. what combo of bulbs are you using?
good luck
jon

 

[dfishh]

whoa much better, the actinic lite makes it look more, ummm i guess real. it looks really cool, wat lites did u have b4.

 

[eng50]

The corals look happier

 

[rich1515]

Okay, I will keep them! I think it was an adjustment thing...
I set the tank up on June 1st, 2002 and I am loving it! This is my first tank so I have been very happy with the results.

 

[wrassecal]

Eric, y ou just got 2 tubes? What bulbs did you get? I want to get 2 more 110's for the 125 to add to my 440w vho. I was thinking about getting them in actinic for more of the blue look. Then I could have the actinics set to go off later than the others where I have 2 03 actinic and 2 daylights. Mine is not near as blue as yours looks with my current setup, but my corals love it!

 

[salisbury a d]

VHO looks great.
I have pc and do not like them. I Think I might change to VHO now.
Adam

 

[broomer5]

Rich,
Looking much better ~ but still most would consider 220 watts minimal on your sized tank, for the health/growth of corals.
If you can swing it - another 220 watts VHO added to your existing 220 watts would be ideal in my opinion ~ when the cash is available.
440 watts of URI VHO over a standard 75 gallon tank ~ I would consider moderate lighting for most mixed reef tanks, but very common.
You can mix and match the bulbs and get several nice combinations - depending on your preferences.
Looks a lot better to me
I really like seeing new lighting compared to the old.

 

[worm]

i totally agree with Broomer. with that size tank you are at the minimal. why don't you try adding the 110 watts of PC back? I would maybe even change the PC bulbs to total white instead of blue/white mix.
things guaranteed to happen: more water evaporation, increase in light bill , possible algae bloom, all your corals will grow faster. there may be a few more things guaranteed to happen, but these you'll see for sure
Tanks looks 100% better, congrats on your new VHO's. You'll pat yerself on the back later

 

[rich1515]

Very Cool! Thanks for the advice! It would cost me another $100 to add another 220 for it so probably in the next couple weeks that will be done.
Thanks again.

 

[wrassecal]

I thought you added the vho to the pc and had a combo. Yep you are going to need another 220 watts, but we must be lucky here in Oklahoma keeping things that arent' supposed to thrive on less light than recommended.

 

[marinemarty]

Hi, I also have a 75, i went with the dual 175 watt MH 10,000K and dual 95 Watt VHO actinics. All enclosed in a 36" hood with two fans. I love the look, but then again i paid a tad more than 280
HTH
Martin

 

[radioactive]

the tank looks much better .... very nice , keep up the good work