Vho

Bernie · #1 05/30/2002, 10:14 AM

I have a used 125 gal tank, with two 72" VHO's, no idea how old they are and I cannot read the writing on the florescent tubes.

My tank has been up for about 8 weeks and I have two clowns and I just added a small blue tang.

I was screwing around with the timer for my lights and now when my lights turn on they start off dim and in about 10 minutes go to full light. This is kind of nice for the fish, but I don't think they are suppose to work in this fashion.

My lights seem to be very bright. If I don't put the covers down on the canopy my whole living room glows purple/white.

My questions are:

1. Why are my lights dim for the first 10 minutes?

2. If I need to replace the two bulbs, what should I replace them with?

3. Where is the best place to buy florescent tubes?

4. Do I need additional light(seems very bright)? I was thinking about adding another two 72" bulbs, but I am afraid of heat and the tank is already pretty bright.

forbze16 · #2 05/30/2002, 10:36 AM

Any idea what kind of ballast you have driving those tubes?

The time to start up pretty much means that the bulbs are toast. I would recommend replaceing them with 72" URI's, 1- 03 actinic and 1 Aquasun or 50/50.

What kind of corals are you interested in. If you want more than just mushrooms or other low-light corals you may want to look into adding 2 more 72" VHO lights or even 3 - 250 watt MH lights depending on how serious you are. Then the existing 2 tubes could be replaced by just a pair of 03 actinics.

Just some ideas and 2 pennies,

Dave

Bernie · #3 05/30/2002, 10:55 AM

I am looking for pennies, thanks.

Speaking of pennies, I have been putting out quite a few of them lately. I just ordered a couple of fans to help dissipate some of the heat that the two 72" are letting off.

Not sure about the ballast, I will check tonight.

My original plan was to start with some fish and a couple of low light corals. I was then planning on redoing my hood, adding a couple of MH and going the actinic vho route.

At this point my plan is to take it slow. I am thinking that the investment in a couple of florescent will be a lot easier at this point and then maybe the MH's in six months.

Where should I buy bulbs from? Do I buy local or on the net?

MJB · #4 05/30/2002, 11:08 AM

Bernie,
I doubt you'll find the URI's any cheaper locally than you will MO. Check out http://championlighting.com for replacements and while you're there click on the tank gallery link and look at the specs. Might find them cheaper or save some on shipping from a MO vendor closer to home.--MJB

Bernie · #5 05/30/2002, 11:30 AM

MJB, I could not open your link and what is a "MO"

MJB · #6 05/30/2002, 11:50 AM

Sorry forgot a coupla w's should work now.
http://www.championlighting.com
Mail Order = MO
--MJB

Bernie · #7 05/30/2002, 12:29 PM

Should I go with "internal reflectors?"

What is the difference between aquasun and 50/50?

MJB · #8 05/30/2002, 01:24 PM

bernie,
The aquasun is a daylight bulb I believe 6700K that is probably pretty yellow and will likely need 03 supplementation IMO. The 50/50 is a combo 6700k/03. I'm not a big 50/50 fan. They run 6700/03 which I think would be the preferred combo but only you can make that choice. BTW I mentioned the tank gallery thing so you could check out what people do with VHO. I think you can get the URI's a little cheaper at http://www.Hellolights.com but if you mention that to Champion they might match it.--MJB

forbze16 · #9 05/30/2002, 02:26 PM

I would get the internal reflectors. I may be worng but I think they are standard on the URI's. Just means you can save some of those pennies by not having to add a seperate refloctor.

Go with the aquasuns. Keeps is simple.

You may want to look locally first. You'll end up breaking even if you are only ordering 2 bulbs.

HTH,

Dave

Bernie · #10 05/30/2002, 02:51 PM

Excuse my ignorance, but if I were to buy my bulbs local, do i go to the LFS, electric supply, HD?

MJB · #11 05/30/2002, 03:01 PM

A good electrical supply maybe, HD I doubt it but worth a shot prob pricewise if they carry them, LFS = $$$$.JMO--MJB

forbze16 · #12 05/30/2002, 03:30 PM

bernie,

Go shopping... be a bargian hunter... make some phone calls....

Nothing like a little research and comparison shopping.

I know that most of the LFS's carry the URI's here. But I haven't had to price them because I have Power compacts on mine. But I am going to have to soon

- getting weaker after almost 9 months.

Good luck,

Dave

Bernie · #13 05/30/2002, 03:58 PM

Just called a place on line, they want $25.00 to ship, ouch.

MJB · #14 05/30/2002, 04:15 PM

What's that the get 2 pay for 3 deal? Those things can't weigh more than a couple lbs.--MJB

Guy · #15 05/30/2002, 07:57 PM

The problem is the 6' box. Unfortunately there's no way to fold the bulbs. I usually buy 6 at a time and most places will waive the shipping.

Zander · #16 05/31/2002, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MJB
The aquasun is a daylight bulb I believe 6700K

The URI VHO Aquasun is 10000k

MJB · #17 05/31/2002, 04:47 AM

sdgtivr6,
My bad you're right its 10k. Can you save him anything on shipping?--MJB

Bernie · #18 06/03/2002, 08:59 AM

Thanks for all the input. I ended up buying two (aquasun and 03 actinic) from Hellolights (thanks MJB). They were a couple of dollars more than the other places I called, but shipping was only $7.83.

Another stupid question:

Since I only have the two bulbs. Aesthetically, should I put the actinic in the back or front?

MJB · #19 06/03/2002, 09:11 AM

bernie,
I think the most logical course of action is to put em in, turn em on, and then switch em around.
BTW you're welcome--MJB

Guy · #20 06/03/2002, 09:53 AM

I prefer the Actinic up front but MJB is right.... try it both ways for a few days each and see what YOU like.