Overdriving lights.

[canadawest]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by reefburnaby:
Hi,

VHO overdrive.................

Hmmm...I am not sure if you would get much benefit from that. The problem is that VHOs are already hot. Overdriving them further would make them hotter -- hence less efficient and more fragile (not to mention, not lasting as long). What were your plans with the "Super VHOs" and what type of MH (or MV) are you planning to get ?

- Victor.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was just thinking that I would only be using 2 VHO Super-Actinics, but have an Icecap660 that is currently running 4 lamps. If I am only going to keep 2, why not overdrive them with the leads not being used? Just wondering, as it sounds much like the NO overdrive thing.

As for MH, I am probably going to go with dual 250W MH using Iwasaki 6500K lamps. I hear they have one of the highest PAR output and good overall spectrum (comparable to the sun). I'll supplement with two of my existing 48" VHO Super-Actinics.

Figure that will allow me to keep more SPS corals, as well as improve the health of my existing inhabitants. A jump from 440W to 720W and a much different (better) intensity light. I'll also be able to then utilize a dusk/dawn effect by staggering the photo-period of the MH with the actinics.

(And gain that cool shimmering effect!)