PC vs VHO

[wax32]

The owner of my LFS wants me to go VHO on my tank. His big selling point is that I can always re-use the caps and stuff if I ever get a bigger tank. I'd prefer PC lights because I have heard they give off less heat and the bulbs last longer saving you money in the long run.
If I doubt SERIOUSLY that I will be getting a larger tank anytime soon, like in the next few years, would I be better off with PCs?
I'd like to keep zoos, ricordia and shroom type corals.

 

[arkey.d]

With Power Compacts you can keep Soft coral and some LPS coral. I like PC's because of the dusk to dawn effect. I'm happy with mine. Not Familiar with the VHOs, maybe someone with VHOs can jump in here.

 

[bang guy]

I've used both. They are very similar but VHO seems to work better for the types of corals I keep. Make sure you get an electronic ballast. I use IceCap 660's and the VHO last longer than PC. I'm also a big fan of URI VHO bulbs.

 

[wax32]

Is the Icecap 660 ballast the one that can power 4 bulbs in case I choose to go from a 2 bulb setup to a 4 bulb setup in the future?

 

[snipe]

My LFS uses PC on his he sais there Cheaper and they dont cause as mutch heat so he likes them. I had already decided to go with PC's he just added to the list. And the heat thing was a factor for me getting them lol. means you can keep them closer to the water.

 

[wax32]

My LFS has VHO, T5 and MH above various tanks.
Heat is for sure a factor, my tank is 79 degrees right now with room temperature being 74. That's with just SO lights and 1 PH running. When I turn on my second PH it goes up to 83 degrees. That seems a little warm to me.

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by wax32
Is the Icecap 660 ballast the one that can power 4 bulbs in case I choose to go from a 2 bulb setup to a 4 bulb setup in the future?
Yes, It will light 2, 3, or 4 bulbs. It will also light PC, T-5, NO, and HO bulbs if you change your mind. You can also mix bulb types.
It also runs the bulbs cooler. I can grab my bulbs with bare hands even if they've been running all day. Don't try that with PC.

 

[wax32]

Thanks Bang Guy. Sounds like the way to go.

 

[essop3]

I just ordered 640 watt VHO after quite alot of research. Most everyone said Icecap was the only way to go with them.

 

[snipe]

I have heard from many ppl icecap is the way to go if you can afford it go with it lol. I myself cant afford them so I am not going with them lol. They would be best since you can have every diffrent type of light under there lol.

 

[wax32]

I'm looking at 24" IceCap retrofit kits on the net. All of the complete type kits use the 430 ballast for the 24" bulbs. The 660 is the one they include with longer bulbs.
For my purposes will the 430 be just as good as the 660? Or, should I go ahead and get the 660 so I can upgrade later?
Here is an example of a deal I found (not saying it's the best one, just one I found easily):
Ice Cap 430 VHO Fluorescent Lighting Kit with 4 - 24 inch URI bulbs (two daylight, two actinic), Ice Cap waterproof single end-caps, Ice Cap end-cap mounts and Ice Cap Ballast $285.00

 

[bang guy]

That's not bad IMO.
If money is an issue you can always look for a used ballast. Even if the ballast isn't working IceCap will fix it at a reasonable price.
The 430 is probably fine. You might e-mail the vendor and see what it would cost to upgrade to the 660.
I actually didn't know the 430 could run 4 bulbs. They must have made some improvements over the years

 

[wax32]

It's nice to save money. But at any rate, its only $25 to go from 430 to 660 ballast on one site I found... I think this is what I am looking at getting now:
ICECAP VHO Fluorescent Lighting System
All IceCap retrofit lighting systems Include IceCap ballast, acrylic mounting bracket/plate, VHO lamps with 180
'internal reflector, endcaps, and wiring harness with quick disconnect. These retrofit kits are great if you want
have an existing hood and would like to get into high intensity lighting in a simple, affordable manner. Warranty: 3 years from date of purchase.
ICECAP 24 IN VHO RETRO KIT w/IC430 Ballast - 4 LAMPS $299.00
2 Actinic Blue Bulb for IceCap Retro included
2 Actinic White Bulb for IceCap Retro included
Upgrade to IC660 Ballast $25.00
IceCap Super Quiet 4" Fan - Thermal speed control w/ thermal sensor 120 - 50 CFM $42.95
IceCap Ballast Heatsink $19.99
Total: $386.94
This sound like every thing I need? Besides the actual canopy I mean.

 

[bang guy]

That sounds really sweet to me. I believe you will be very pleased.

 

[wax32]

RAR. I can't wait. My wife is almost as psyched about being able to keep some corals as I am. Now to scrape up some fundage!

 

[wax32]

HMM. Math. Is 300 watts too much on a 29 gallon tank? 10 watts per gallon about!

 

[bang guy]

Nope. It will be a tight squeeze to fit 4 bulbs over a 29 though. It will fit, it's just tight.

 

[snipe]

I dont think so ppl have 450 to 500watt metal halides over 55 gallon tanks so I dont think it would be that bad may cause more water evaporation. As long as you run thoughs fans and add water when you need to I think it woulnt be that bad. And if it is all you have to do is buy a lower watt bulb lol. Take thoughs to your pet shop and trade them.

 

[wax32]

Thanks Bang, yeah I imagine it will be a tight fit.
Snipe, I could just go with 2 bulbs if I want less watts per gallon. It would defeat the purpose of spending the extra money to go with a 4 bulb system if I went with less powerful bulbs.
A two bulb system just like the one described is $100 less approximately.

 

[bang guy]

The two bulb system would actually be adequate for what you want to keep. You can always buy endcaps & bulbs to upgrade later with the IceCap.
One distince advantage of the 660 is that it will overdrive inexpensive NO bulbs.
A 6500K GE ultradaylight 40 watt bulb costs about $8 vs a daylight VHO bulb costing $25. The difference is that the NO bulb will only put out about 2/3rds of the light of the VHO. Still a lot of light. This is just info for you to keep in mind for the future...