VHO do you like it???

[lionpicasso]

I'm trying to make my mind on what lighting to get
either VHO or compacts.
I was reading the hamilton lighting catalog and they say to change your VHO lights every 4-6 months. People with VHO how often do you change your bulbs??? If i go with VHO I would get icecap ballasts for 4 110watts VHO bulbs for my 75gal.

 

[ky]

I have read that VHO's lose 25% of their output after 6 months and 50% after 9 months. I guess it depends on how much money your LFS needs. I have 3 tabks and change them (6 in 2 of them and 4 in the other one) every 9 months. Not saying that is the best, but it works for me.

 

[dirtybilge]

I have an Icecap 660 and there the best, it powers 3 36" tubes, I think its nice light than my old PC's also remember that VHO tubes cost less than the PC's do.

 

[striker]

vho bulbs will lose their intensity within 6-8 months if you're not using an icecap ballast. With an icecap 660 you shouldn't have to replace them for 12 months. I have them and think they're great. With 440 watts you can grow pretty much of anything. I have 200 watts on my 29gallon. If you want more info on vho check <a href="http://www.championlighting.com" target="_blank">www.championlighting.com</a> to see what they grow under their tanks or go straight to icecap.com

 

[predator]

A ice cap will run your vho for a year. They are cheaper than pc's and the light appears more bright. I know I love my vho's. I'm currently running six 36in/96 watt bulbs on my custom built 100 and my corals love it. I'v heard of people keeping some sps on vho. Can not say the same about pc though.

 

[jond]

I love my VHO. I run 3-24" on a Icecap 660 over a 37gal. I am waiting on my new bulbs to replace after almost 10 months. I think that I have seen a noticable decline in light intensity. But for the cost of the bulbs (I use URI), I think 9-10 months is good.

 

[cruises8]

I love the look of my VHOs. I'm running 4-110watt setup over my 75 gallon. Nice clean light!

 

[lionpicasso]

Thanks. I've made up my mind on lights I'm going with Icecap 660 with 48" bulbs 4-110watts that's
a lot of watts for the Money.

 

[cruises8]

That's great! I'm sure you'll be happy with the results! I know I have been so far!

 

[lordofthereef]

whatever you do, don't get the ge ballast that some people here are talking about. that will be one of the stupidest things you can ever do. <img src="graemlins//uhuh.gif" border="0" alt="[U-Huh]" />

 

[bbreaux1]

what ballast is that lordofthereef and why is it ????