When to add corals and a lighting question?

[flipper263]

I am wondering when I can add corals to my tank. I am not asking because I'm in a rush, but because I don't know exactly when I can add them or what it is my tank needs to be doing. I have heard your tank needs to be established...heard you should wait 6 months..etc. I have no problem waiting but what will be different in my tank in 6 months as opposed to in 2 months??
I also have a lighting question...
Is VHO the type of bulb you get or is it the whole system? If I have upgraded the bulbs in my aquarium..could they be VHO? I know that probably is a silly question...but I had to ask.
Thanks in advance for any replys
flip:jumping:

 

[figstr822]

Yes, it's best to wait about 6 months before adding corals. However, I do know some people have added them much earlier with success. VHO is a system and a type of bulb. To run a VHO bulb, you need a VHO ballast. You might be able to put a VHO bulb in a normal flourescent fixture, but you won't get the benefits of the bulb at all.

 

[flipper263]

Originally posted by Figstr822
Yes, it's best to wait about 6 months before adding corals. However, I do know some people have added them much earlier with success.
Thanks for the reply, I was wondering what the reason was for waiting months? What will change in my tank that will give them a better chance?
Thanks again
flip:jumping:

 

[figstr822]

The reason is to allow the tank to stabalize. New tanks are prone to fluctuations in the water parameters. With proper maintenenence, most tanks are pretty stable at 6 months.

 

[fishphreak]

you may want to go with metal halide lights for your corals.
They are a little more expensive but the bulbs themselves tend to last longer. MH bulbs are good for about 1 year.

 

[flipper263]

Figstr822
Thanks, that helps. I don't mind waiting...well...it is torture actually...but I certainly will wait before getting corals for my 120.
FishPhreak
I will look into the Metal Halide lighting and I will most likely be back with more questions.
Thanks again
flip:jumping:

 

[figstr822]

Speaking of MH lighting - if you look around you can find them cheaper (yes, cheaper) than VHO. I found a 250 watt Icecap ballast, mogul socket and Ushio 10K for $180 from a guy online. It had only been used about 3 months or so. There are a number of vendors that carry retrofits and parts for MH systems - much cheaper than buying a ready-made one.

 

[fishphreak]

Championlighting.com has the best prices I have been able to find on new MH. That is where I will be getting mine for my 125g.
THey also have VHO and PCs
Hope that helps,
Jessica

 

[flipper263]

Originally posted by FishPhreak
Championlighting.com has the best prices I have been able to find on new MH. That is where I will be getting mine for my 125g.
THey also have VHO and PCs
Hope that helps,
Jessica
I will check it out...some places don't ship to Canada so that makes it a bit more difficult.
Thanks
flip:jumping: