VHO Lighting.

[thefaint]

Ok I'm starting up a new 55g tank, and wondered what you all recommend for vho lighting, metal halide is simply out of the question because i'm somewhat on a budget here. I've been doing some research, and I was thinking 3 VHO lamps should be adequate. Also if I go with 3 lamps, what types should I run? 2 super actinic, and one uri 50/50? I really like the actinic look, so I'm looking for something that brings out those colors really well.
thanks,
Pat

 

[bang guy]

Hi Pat,
Price between the lighting systems is really close so I'm not so sure you should rule out MH so quickly unless there are other considerations as well. If you're looking for the Actinic look the lights you proposed will do it for sure. Seems really heavy on the blue though. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
What will you be keeping in your reef?

 

[thefaint]

As of right now, I'm not really sure, I'm just getting into the hobby, and originally just wanted a fowlr tank, but after i started reading more, and researching, the mini reef has grown on me. What could you recommend for some beginner corals that will thrive well, and are relatively inexpensive?
Back in September I bought my tank used from a friend for a really good deal, and then I built a 20g long sump for it, and had the tank drilled, next up is lighting and liverock to get this baby cycling already. I guess I have good patience. I was looking at vho kits from hellolights.com because they have really good deals on them currently, and I'm going to build my own canopy/hood.

 

[jagermeister]

I've been doing some research in the area. If your hood can accommodate them I'd go with the VHO. That's what I'm doing. I built my hood and it houses a 48" shoplight so I'm assuming the vho fixtures will fit.
Basically, from what I've read, you get twice the wattage for the same price with going with vho. I've also read some articles that stated that many corals have better coloring under vho lighting.
From what I understand you want to use power compacts if your space is very limited. But for a 55 gallon you shouldn't have any problems with vho.