Lighting Question

[belzebuth]

I am planning to update the current lighting(VHO's :lol:...just lots of it) above the tank anyone has a suggestion? Here are the tank spec:

-5 feet x 2 feet x 24 "
-Currently filled with softies but the goal is more of a mixed reef.
-Heat would be an issue

I am not really familiar with the fixtures on the market. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanx

[gobytron]

are you saying you are currently running all vho's?

That's old school man...lol

Anyone else feel like you can't beat a vho for actinic pop?

Wasteful energy, I know, but the superactinic vho's just can't compare to anything else IMO, not even t5's...


Go t5's...
If you have a canopy already, just buy a 6 bulb retrofit fixture.
It'll kill those vhos for par and penetration and they will be significantly cooler than hot running overdriven vhos.
You may be able to use you're same ballast... http://www.fishtankshop.com/browseproducts/16.5--1x70-Watt-HQI-Sunpod-Fixture.HTML

[belzebuth]

You are correct ALL VHO's. :lol: You can understand the need for the upgrade.

[StirCrazy]

If you go to T5, you will get aproximatly a 50% increase in light, if everything you have now is growing good and you like the color, then why upgrade, on the other hand if you are looking to go with more light chalanging corals, then ya.

My personal fav is good 10 to 13K MH with URI super actinic VHO for color.

Steve

[belzebuth]

I would like to attempt more light demanding corals, I also feel that my growth rate is very slow and colors not very vibrant. By the looks of it T5 would be the way to go, I might keep the VHO's actinic.

Thanx

[gobytron]

what are your tank dimensions?
what are you keeping as of right now?
not just dogs and cats in there I hope...?

What is your vho set up like?
how many bulbs and what ballasts are you using?

[belzebuth]

what are your tank dimensions?
what are you keeping as of right now?
not just dogs and cats in there I hope...?

What is your vho set up like?
how many bulbs and what ballasts are you using?


lol :biggrin:

No, I am not keeping the cats in the tank. Here are the tank residents:
1 Hippo
1 Naso
1 Niger Trigger
2 Clown Fish
3 Chromis
Wrasse
snails/crabs, shrimps and 1 BTA

Corals are moslty softies, Zoa. I do have a Pavona coral growing mad. Probably the only thing growing fast in there

Tank dimensions are = 60" x 24" x 24 " with a 12" glass centre brace.

Current light setup:
2 x 140W 60" Super Actinic
3 x 140W 60" Aquasun

1 IceCap 660 Electronic Ballast
1 other ballast older, came with the tank not sure what it is.