PC ballasts

[cc0905]

I currently am running "AH Supply"PC 96w bright kits(2), I would like to switch over to VHO, can I use the PC ballasts safely as long as I don't exceed the max wattage(110w), my intent is to run 36" 95w VHO instead of 34" 96w PC
thanks for any help on this

 

[frink]

Can't really help you with your problem. I guess you should contact the people you bought your lights from. They should know. Anyways, I am wanting to upgrade my lighting. Any reason why you want to switch to VHO.
Rick

 

[cc0905]

mostly just the cost factor, vho bulbs are about half the cost and i'm slowly purchasing new corals and it seems most lfs in my area (SE CT)are using vho and they are also reccomending them vice PC's

 

[gregzbobo]

Just a side note, your lfs's are more than likely recommending the VHO lights because thats what they sell, typically, PC lights put out more light per watt than VHO, although VHO actinic tubes seem to be better than PC actinics. But I can understand you switching to VHO, since you can't get PC bulbs locally. Most of the reading I've done on lighting says that PC and VHO are fairly comparable in price, although from what I have seen personally, PC IS more expensive.

 

[10k]

The answer to your question cc0905 is yes. You can use PC ballasts to run VHO's as long as you stay at or below the max wattage, and at or below the max linear feet recomended for the said ballasts.