VHO problem

[magyk]

Would it make a difference if I bought a 36" VHO retofit kit that puts out the same wattage 440
or will the 48" make a difference with the same wattage
the 36" will fit better in the DYI Canopy that I'm going to make
Will it effect the reef any way

 

[logan15]

the 48" would spread the light out better IMO

 

[wolffam]

I don' t think it'll effect it any different from the wattage point. Coverage would be different. The 36" might leave you with some shaded areas, not bad though. You could stagger the lights so that the coverage is handled also. HTH.

 

[noon]

You could also go with 46.5, thats what i am putting in my canopy.

 

[nm reef]

Good point about the 46.5" option. My canopy was built and in place before I considered the total length of adding 48" VHO's...so I use the 46.5" lamps. A little harder to locate...not available at any LFS I do business with...so I order the replacement bulbs on-line.

 

[thomas712]

I believe the 36 inch only puts out 95 watts each
so 4-36=380 watts
The 48 inch puts out 110 each
so 4-48 pr 46.5 put out 440 watts
Thomas

 

[magyk]

The actually the bulbs put out the same wattage 110 each totalling 440 or else I wouldn't have considered the 36"
I was just wondering if it would effect life in the tank b/c there would be about 3.5 inches on each side where there wouldn't have a light focus
Any other respnses would also be helpfull
Thanks Everyone for your Answers

 

[sal t. nutz]

What brand bulbs are you looking at? Because both URI and Coralife 36" VHO's are 95 watts, not 110.

 

[slowest is fastest]

per tube.....
18" = 40 watts
24" = 75 watts
36" = 95 watts
46.5" = 110 watts
48" = 110 watts
60" = 140 watts
72" = 160 watts
Both the 48" and the 46.5" tube put out 110 watts
SiF

 

[sammystingray]

That's pretty standard as far as i know.

 

[magyk]

checked it out and everyone is right 36" VHO bulbs =95 watts each
So the dilema would be to buy the 48" and build a canopy to fit
what do guys think or should I get the 36" and it wouldnt make a difference
Thank You

 

[thomas712]

I have the 36 over my 90, because they didn't have the 46.5 yet so I only have 380 watts of VHO, which I consider week and really wish I had the 440.
I don't think you would regret going with the 46.5 or the 48 inch, you'll just have to do more adjustments with the hood and the 48 inch bulb.
Just a bit of advise: Always have an extra set of bulbs on hand, don't wait for one to burn out and be stuck with out it.
Thomas

 

[bang guy]

The longer the tube the more efficient (ie.output/watt). For a 75 I would only consider 46.5 or 48" bulbs.