What's the massive benfit of MH lighting over VHO's

[saltyrich]

What is the tremendous benefits of MH or PC lighting over VHO's for a reef tank? Or are there any? It seems that MH is great, but typically aren't you limiting the amount of light spectrum you are introducing into the tank when using only MH. I try to offer a full spectrum of light to my tank via different VHO and N.O. bulbs. Is it sufficient. My tank inhabitants appear to think so. What do you all think? Should I switch and why?

 

[anthony812]

intesity my friend in my opinion you can grow sps with vho but metal halide jsut has the intensity to make those corals thrive all up to you which one oyu want to get you can get a combination of metal halide with vho actinics for colors or actinnic whites. Up to you my friend

 

[saltyrich]

I'm not talking in a "watts per gallon" mode here, but isn't 300 watts of VHO and 60 watts of N.O. on a 40 gallon pretty intense? As far as sps goes, my tank is a tall, its only 24 inches wide, so it has a lot of vertical hieght. All of that light is directed right down into the tank, not spread out across a long area.

 

[saltyrich]

Actually, I need to change my signature. My tank dimensions are 24" high, 24" across the front, 12" deep to the back. I believe that's a 30 tall, yes? Anyway, the bulbs I have are as follows: 4 URI 75 watt bulbs ( 2 super vho actinics, 1 50/50 white actinic, 1 10k aquasun) 3 N.O. Hagen bulbs (1 blue actinic, 2 20K high intensities). The tank is beyond bright. It is hard for me to imagine it being much more intense.

 

[steamboat1569]

I am by no means an electrician, but I believe a watt is a watt is a watt. 150 watts of light is the same whether it be MH or VHO. It just seems to me that you get more intensity per square inch by using MH, and you can readily change to 400 watts by just replacing the bulbs and ballast within the same small area.
The shimmering effect is great with MH, and I fell in love with this type of lighting as soon as I plugged it in.
The heat coming off of MH is a major factor, but easily dealt with by good ventilation in the hood or used as a hanging canopy.
Like I said, I am no expert and just my .02.

 

[steamboat1569]

Will not 150 watts of vho penetrate the same distance as 150 watts of MH, if using the same Kelvin degree rating?
Not tying to start anything, I just may learn something here.

 

[kyaney]

I have VHO in each of my three tanks (120, 90, 75) and have huge, thriving, obnoxious coral (hard and soft) and aneome. Some at the top and some at the bottom. I have many clams (which many people claim can "only" survive under MH). I am yet to lose an aneome (I have 7). By the way, did anyone else have trouble getting on to this new page. I had to change my name. But, like have said hundreds of times before, whatever works for you, because both work fine.

 

[worm]

gosh, this thread has really got me worried. i am looking at purchasing the 440 watt VHO retro fit kit from Hellolights.com, and now you guys got me worried if that will do. i have a normal size 55 gallon tank. i am pretty sure those VHO's will do whatever i want. i do want a maxima clam and an one of those green open brains and was sure that the VHO's would do the trick. i was actually going to order them this weekend, should i go with it? and if so, what bulbs do you recommend? the only thing i do not like about the retro fit kit is the one ballast. i wanted to set two timers for the lights. kind of like a dawn, day, dusk type atmosphere.
*confused now*

 

[david s]

I am no lighting expert by far but I have read alot. I dont believe in the wpg theory in simple turms if I took a 100 watt spot and a 100 watt flood light and shot you in the eyes wich one would hurt more lol. alot of the reading I have done talk about light spectrum and penetration at diffrent depths too
I also agree mh is not needed in all tanks but if you want a big heavy coral tank they are a must in my opinion

 

[kyaney]

I have a 'big heavy coral load' i my tank. Between my three (120,90,75) I have at least a hundred different kinds. I have had the tanks for many years and have never had a problem. They grow and they flourish. I have very brittle corals and very hardy corals. I have light loving and light sensitive ones. I have clams, aneomes, leathers, brains, and about a hundred other things- all thriving. So my point being this. You CAN use either, as long as you have enough. (6 110w in 120, 4 110w in 90 and 70). Neither is necessary, both work great, use the one you like.

 

[steamboat1569]

I beleive that there are many out there that have had success with sps corals with VHO, and even PC's.
Don't get me wrong, I use MH lighting and will probably never get anything else unless they come up with something better. I think that I can fit MH a lot more comfortably under my hood, and less room taken with MH. I just wanted to understand the power behind the lights. Like I said in my first post on this thread, I think that MH gives you more intensity per square inch, whether it be depth or area. I just have heard many success stories with VHO also.

 

[anthony812]

guys in my opinion i think metal halide is good for a larger tank but with smaller tank vho is good? just a suggestion