i'm getting ready to change out my VHO 4x110 bulbs (2X super actinic, 2X actinic white bulbs) in my 100 gal. with 2x250 HQI in my hood....i need to find out what "k" to use, knowing the higher "k" the bluer/purpler, one says 2x 20,000k along with vho aquasuns...any suggestions.... and could use some of my bulbs or VHO fixtures with this set up....i want it to look nice, color of light wise....thanks for who helps, i want to do it right the first time.
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HQI MH lighting help...
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It's a very subjective thing. I'd suggest you try to get a look at different setups in person if possible.
Also, be wary of the ratings assigned to many manufacturer's lamps. You can look at a bunch of lamps of the same K rating from different manufacturers and see very different results.
That said, if I had that combination of lights I'd probably run 14K - 20K halides and use the VHOs for actinic. That would give a nice blue/white look that would flouresce things really well. If you prefer a whiter look, look into running 10K halides.
Check out Joe Burger's site. Even though Joe tested Mogul lamps (I'm assuming you're talking about Double-Ended lamps which will look a bit different - even when talking the same manufacturer and same K rating) it may help give you some ideas.
Here's the link: Click Here
Also, be wary of the ratings assigned to many manufacturer's lamps. You can look at a bunch of lamps of the same K rating from different manufacturers and see very different results.
That said, if I had that combination of lights I'd probably run 14K - 20K halides and use the VHOs for actinic. That would give a nice blue/white look that would flouresce things really well. If you prefer a whiter look, look into running 10K halides.
Check out Joe Burger's site. Even though Joe tested Mogul lamps (I'm assuming you're talking about Double-Ended lamps which will look a bit different - even when talking the same manufacturer and same K rating) it may help give you some ideas.
Here's the link: Click Here
Thanks, i am looking at the double ended ones for those would work good in my hood, right. If i was to use 2x 250 watt @ 20k how many of the actinic bulbs should i use? i have 4x48". thanks for what help your giving. Also do you know brand wise as in the quality would be a nice bulb
The only 250 watt DE 20K lamp I have experience with is the Aqualines (ABs). I really like the color and the lamps have given me no trouble at all. They burn white/blue and don't really need any supplemental lighting although I plan to add a pair of actinics to them.
Other lamps you might look at are the 14K Hamiltons, Giesemann 14.5K and 20K, XM 20K, Coralvue 20K, BLV 20K, AquaConnect 14K, etc. There are others as well, but those are a few that came to mind.
As for how many actinic tubes to use it's really up to you. Whatever looks good to you is what I would go with. Try 2 to start and see what you think. Those lamps don't really need any supplemental lighting but having it would change the look of the tank and flouresce things more.
URI probably still makes the best VHO actinic lamps out there. Some folks really seem to like the Coralife actinics as well.
HTH
Other lamps you might look at are the 14K Hamiltons, Giesemann 14.5K and 20K, XM 20K, Coralvue 20K, BLV 20K, AquaConnect 14K, etc. There are others as well, but those are a few that came to mind.
As for how many actinic tubes to use it's really up to you. Whatever looks good to you is what I would go with. Try 2 to start and see what you think. Those lamps don't really need any supplemental lighting but having it would change the look of the tank and flouresce things more.
URI probably still makes the best VHO actinic lamps out there. Some folks really seem to like the Coralife actinics as well.
HTH
Double Ended - sorta like those halogen bulbs used in floor lamps and shop lights. - They clip in instead of screw in like the SE (Single Ended) bulbs.
Edit: They typically have a higher PAR rating than SE bulbs. - Think of PAR as being light thats used by plants (corals) for photosynthesis.
Edit: They typically have a higher PAR rating than SE bulbs. - Think of PAR as being light thats used by plants (corals) for photosynthesis.
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