How many VHO lights?

[Cpt.Ahab]

Hi guys,

I am changing my lighting over from PC to VHO. Don't really want to invest in MH yet until I'm more stable. I have a 40 gallon tank that is 36" long. I just bought an Ice Cap 430 ballast and am wondering about how many bulbs I should put on it. What would be the best setup to be able to support anemones, some corals, etc. I don't want to generate too much heat or too big of an electrical bill (I'm a starving student who still loves the hobby nevertheless).

Thanks.

 

[Reef Guy11]

On that tank depending on how deep it is you could get away with 2 110 watt Bulb should be fine just get 2 4 inch radio shack fans and you'll be alright.

 

[Cpt.Ahab]

Thanks for the reply Reef Guy1. My tank is about 18 inches deep. I thought the 36" bulbs were only 95 watts? I was thinking of putting two 36" bulbs on because I already have the reflectors from the PCs but was just wondering if that would be enough lighting. Also, the VHO bulbs have a number... T5, T12, etc. What does that mean and what do I need? Thanks for replies.

 

[Anonymous]

110 watt VHOs are 46.5" or 48" long and would not fit properly over your tank.

An Icecap 440 ballast can handle 330 watts max. I would use 3x36" 95 watt vho bulbs. I would use one Aquasun, one Super Actinic, and one Actinic White. It should give you nice color. This would be good enough to keep anemones and most stony and soft corals. You could even keep clams under these if placed high enough.

You could add a small fan that is on a timer with the lights. They use very little energy. Run the lights for 8-10 hours a day. 12 hours if you can afford it.

 

[Anonymous]

T-12 VHO bulbs by URI are the best IMO.

 

[Anonymous]

T5's are new HO bulbs. I have no experience with them.

 

[Reef Guy11]

Oh yeah Sorry I was thinking for a 48 long tank lol opps my bad. I will have to agree with AnemoneBuff on that one that the URI T12 are better And yes 3 95 watts would work just great. I am not T12 are Very High Out put which is why there called VHO and the T% are High Out Put mean HO so the different is that the T12 are going to be higher in light Spectrum that is why you don't need as many bulbs than say with the T5.

If I am wrong about this Someone will let me know so let someone else come in, and explain cause I maybe off on that lol.

 

[Cpt.Ahab]

Hey thanks again guys. I will go with the 3 bulb setup then. I'm excited