VHO Lighting

[jpeavytx]

Looking to use VHO for my 55 gal tank. I mainly will have some mushrooms and soft corals in the tank, not looking to get into any high intensity light corals or anemones. As of now I just have a worklight from HD w/ blue actinic and a 10K, so I'm just putting out 80watts right now. I plan on building a canopy and putting 4--46.8 VHO in there. Will this be plenty of lighting for my setup? I have looked at hellolights.com and there 4 VHO Ballast Kit. Should I use reflectors with this setup? Also what are some other good ballasts I can buy without going broke? Keep in mind I'm a college student not willing to sell my kidney on the black market. Thanks in advance!

 

[broomer5]

JPeavyTX
440 watts of VHO over your 55 would kick butt in my opinion.
Here's a couple of options you asked about.
If you don't want control over the actinics and daylight bulbs, meaning you turn it on and ALL four lamps light at once - this is a pretty inexpensive route.
NM reef has suggested this lighting - he may be able to answer questions.
LN Electronic 4 bulb VHO kit - 440 watts total
Includes ballasts, wiring harness and German end caps.
$139.95
(1) URI 46.5" 110watt Actinic 03 lamp $22.90 each
(1) URI 46.5" 110watt 50/50 lamp $25.90
(1) URI 46.5" 110watt Aquasun lamp $26.90
You mix and match what bulbs you want to run.
I would think that you'd want at least one Actinic, and a mix of the others. Up to you what you want to keep under the lighting, and the appearance you prefer when looking at your tank.
If you DO want to have some control over when your lights come on and off - meaning a dawn/dusk effect by using a couple timers - another option would be;
PFO 4 bulb VHO kit - 440 watts total
Includes ballasts, wiring harness and German end caps.
$169.95
Same goes for choice of bulbs as above.
If you go with URI bulbs - you will not need a reflector.
They have internal reflectors inside the lamp - that direct the lighting down into the tank.
A full length reflector is not necessary - but certainly would not hurt.
First option all for around $240.00
Second option all for around $270.00 + $20.00 for timers = $290.00

 

[jpeavytx]

Is it really worth the money to have a timer on the lights? What are the pros and cons of the two? Wouldn't you use 2 acitinic and 2 other bulbs that are the same? What would be the best lighting for my reef? Who has the best prices on the net for these different options? Thanks

 

[cmack]

Broomer,
Where are those prices from??

 

[broomer5]

I've not read anything regarding a benefit to the corals in the tank if you use a timer, or do the dawn/dusk thing.
It's a personal preference for me - I like the way the tank looks under different type of lighting.
That's one of the things that drew me to keeping colored corals.
It just looks neat.
cmack - email me for sites.
broomer5@aol.com

 

[starfishjackedme]

I have an Icecap 660 with 440 watts of vho over my 55, and it looks great. The bulbs are two 50/50's and two blue actinics from URI. I also have seperate NO lights for the dusk/dawn period. I only run the VHO's for 8 hours a day and they are good for almost any coral. I bought mine as a DIY setup from www.***********.com but i think there are prob better deals if you look around. I think it was well worth the change from 160watts of NO bulbs.

 

[tangman99]

I also installed a 440 Watt Icecap retro kit in my 90 gallon and it really lights up the tank. I have 2 50/50s and 2 super actinics and love the blue color. A 55 would rock under 440 watts of VHO.
I bought the Retro kit (Icecap 660 ballast, German end caps and URI bulbs) for $305.00 from Champion lighting. If you order one, go ahead and request the dimmable ballast just in case you want to add a dimmer later. I have not made up my yet about the dimmer.
Here is a picture of my tank with the VHO lighting and no flash.