Retro fit lighting question

[kniquy]

I am looking at getting 4x96w PC lighting for my 75 gal tank. One member from here mentioned looking a AHsupply.com for lighting. I found this set up, the price is great but how difficult is it to put this together. ( I have listed the other set ups 1 x96 w bright kit an the add on because they have all the items included in the 4x96w set up)
1 x 96 watt Bright Kit™ 41961 $59.99
The perfect solution to achieving high lighting levels on aquariums that are 3 feet or 6 feet long (and also a good option for 4' tanks). Includes: one 12 ounce solid-state electronic ballast (8.5"L x 1.7"W x 1"H); one 34.5 inch long, multi-angle MIRO 4 polished aluminum reflector; one 4-pin Gy10q socket; two steel bulb holders; one grounding power cord; wirenuts, splice taps and screws needed for installation; optional-use pop-in vent covers, snap bushing, cord strain relief bushing, cord clamp and threaded nylon spacers; and ballast operation information and wiring diagram. Requires one 96 watt compact fluorescent bulb (not included).
1 x 96 watt Add-On Bright Kit 41967 $55.99
Same as item #41961 above except this kit does not include the power cord, cord clamp and bushings. Use this kit when you want to add one more unit to your Bright Kit setup. Or choose this kit as your single Bright Kit when you will be supplying your own grounding power supply cord and cord mounting hardware. Requires one 96watt compact fluorescent bulb (not included).
4 x 96 watt Bright Kit 44963 $214.99
Consists of TWO 1 x 96 watt Bright Kits #41961 and TWO 1 x 96 watt Add-On Bright Kits #41967. Allows the bulbs (not included) to operated on two separate timers (1/3 or 2/2).
Does this set up come with everything I would need? This other retro i found is about $350 (which I think includes the lights. This one above doesn't)
Any input would be helpful. If anyone has any other web sites to look at for this type of lighting set up I would love to know!!

 

[gatorcsm]

I bought a 440 watt VHO retro kit (4X48" (110W)) for 230$ with bulbs. I got it at ***************. I've been really happy with it...
I bought 2 actinic blues and 2 aquasuns (that is included in the 230$

 

[kniquy]

bump. I really need some help on this set up and to find out if anyone has bought from AHsupply.com previously. ANy thoughts welcomed

 

[flamingkingofhe]

i bought a 440 vho retro fit kit pre wirred with ballast bulbs and reflector at hellolights.com for ike 250-300 cant remember bulbs included you pick the four you want love the set up

 

[finland]

I bought a retrofit pc kit from them, and it included everything you would need to install them into a canopy. They send directions that were easy to follow. Bulbs were not included. I bought a 2X96 watt retrofit kit and had absolutely no problems. Hope this helps.

 

[gatorcsm]

Have you already bought it? If not, these other two seem like same price range, just better lights. VHO have more output than PCs... Check them out. The ones at prem. aquat's are pre-wired, just plug'em in and go. You can break even on price and get more wattage! That 231$ included buying the brackets to hold the lights... All you'll need it screws!

 

[gatorcsm]

Here is the info on it from the store front:
This is for just the retro kit. The lamps are like 20$ each, URI's so you ends up at about 220, plus the brackets, 230$
LN Electronic 4 Bulb VHO Kit - no bulbs
Code: LN-4LKIT
Price: $119.95
Shipping Weight: 12.00 pounds
ON SALE! Reg. 139.95
For lamps 24-48"
Energy saving electronic ballast
This high performance ballast is fully assembled with power cord, on/off switch and cable assembly. Just push the endcaps onto the lamps and plug the electronic ballast into a wall outlet. It's that simple.
Ballast designed to operate 4 lamps only. Not dimmable.
We do not recommend dimming on any VHO lamp, as it decreases effective life of the lamp.

 

[kniquy]

Thanks for all the info. I thought I was set on PC's simply because I think I will eventually get MH to add on. I haven't purchased the set up but I figured I would have more room to eventually add maybe 2 MH if i went with the PC. The VHO are cheaper but will I have the space for future add-ons? I just picked up my tank yesturday. 75gal reef ready it is the standard 48" x 18". Could I fit 4-VHO and still have the space to add on? If any on has pictures of how they have there lights set up that would be helpful.

 

[kniquy]

Is the VHO usually 110w for a 48" length? I just want to make sure that I have the appropriate lighting to keep a variety of coral. I haven't yet picked out the specific coral that I want to keep.

 

[gatorcsm]

Yes, 48" 110W vho. I use the ones with reflectors built in... URI is one of the brands that have them...

 

[gatorcsm]

On the note of size, On my 90, I have enough room in the front of my vho's to put two MH fixtures, which I'm planning on doing, if/when I need to. Most people have told me that as long as the light loving corals are near the top, I wouldn't have a need for MH's, but I think I may add a couple so i can put them a little deeper...
Hope it works out for you..

 

[kniquy]

Thanks for the input. I hadn't really given much thought to the VHO but I will start to research them before I make my purchase. THe only thing is i have briefly started looking at the VHO's. The ones that I have seen so far do not have separate hook up so that you can have dawn and dusk lighting. Are there any certain brands or web sites that i should look at?