VHO Bulb Selection

[sal t. nutz]

I got my canopy and VHO ballast, now it's time to choose bulbs and I need help. I have 2 110 watt sockets to fill over my 55 gallon. Should I use 2 50/50 bulbs? Or should I get like a 10k and an 03 bulb? I am afraid to get the 03 bulb because they are not as bright as a white type bulb, and I feel like my tank won't be bright enough.

 

[krusk]

For 2 VHO bulbs
I would go with URI (most of ppl use URI bulbs)
as for the 55 G I would go with 1 aquasun and 1 Super Actinic
50/50 (Actinic White) bulbs can be use when you don't have the space for other bulbs.
Most of ppl will use 1 aquasun and 1 super actinic

 

[sal t. nutz]

Wouldn't it be much Brighter in my tank if I went with 2 50/50's?

 

[krusk]

I never have/use 50/50 bulbs.
is 2 50/50 bulbs = 1 aqua sun + 1 actinic (mathematical, yes)
If you want it to be bright you can use
1 Aquasun and 1 50/50 (as you can see it not as blue)
It's depend on what color(brighter or bluer) do you want to see in the tank.

 

[mb4000]

10K's have quite abit of blue already. 2 50/50 bulbs will be pretty purple. I would either go with 1-10K 1-50/50, or 1-10K 1-actinic. The actinic help bring out the color in the corals. If you just want super bright then go with 2 10k's

 

[sal t. nutz]

Well, I don't have corals, but I would like to really bring out the colors in my fish.

 

[mb4000]

1-10K 1-50/50. Your tank will be extremely bright and if you choose to put in mushrooms or leathers eventually, you will be fine to.

 

[irishstout]

I have a 55 with an aquasun and a super actinic, uri's of course. Color is great and the growth in the tank is great.
You might not be thinking of corals at the moment, but give it time, the bug will bite and with those lights you will certainly be able to keep several different species in the tank.
If you go with that combination, you WILL be happy with it. HTH