Need help with VHO lighting

[cpreefguy]

I just got an Icecap 430 to retro in my canopy on my 15 long which is 24" long. It says that I can go with 2,3,or 4 bulbs, but my canopy is only 12" deep and I already have a 13K 70watt halide and an Actinic 03 32watt powercompact. I think Im going to go with 2 or 3 bulbs. Which bulbs should I get? T5? T12? What color should I get them?

[Tim Marvin]

I'd do T-5's 3 actinic and 1 10k.

[cpreefguy]

Will 4 bulbs fit with my halide and PC? Arent the T12's higher output?

[Tim Marvin]

T-5 are very small bulbs, but are getting great reviews as far as output vs watts used.

[cpreefguy]

I think the end-caps I got are 1 inch sockets though

[TexasState]

What are you trying to do with all these different type of lights? Add more light or trying to get more actinic coverage? If you're trying to add T12 bulb, the inside diameter of your canopy might have to be about 24.5 inches long b/c of the endcap sticking out. There are 23" T5 unit available if your canopy is too short.

[cpreefguy]

I just want more light and more actinic. I had the 32watt retro left over from my minibow, I might turn it into a fuge light. I traded my clam for an icecap 430, the wiring harness, and 4 endcaps so all I need is the bulbs(and maybe more endcaps if I decide to do the 4 bulb setup. Will the T5's fit in these sockets?

[Tim Marvin]

Greg @ 360 reef can get some great little end caps for the t-5's and look like they are water tight. His prices are probably less than you'd get a couple sets of the larger sockets.

[cpreefguy]

Ok, so why would I want to go with the T5's if I could have T12's?

[cpreefguy]

Do the coralife T12's have built-in reflectors like the URI bulbs?

[TexasState]

As far as I know, URI is the only one with the built in reflector. For best possibility, you should still use a reflector with URI bulb.

[cpreefguy]

i got 2 of those parabolic 162 degree reflectors from hellolights. Im definatly getting T12's, I just have to decide between URI or Coralife or GE blue moon. Ive heard theat the Coralview are bluer, but the URI's have the built-in reflectors. Also, I was browsing through GARF and they SWEAR by the GE BLUE MOON bulbs. Has anybody heard of these?
Thanks

[alexwolf]

I like the URI. NEver had a problem, and i like the built in reflector.

[TexasState]

I've tried them all. Stay with the URI actinic.

[Instar]

For VHO, you should use URI Actinic 03 bulbs, 420nm, T-12. The others you mentioned are not made for the ballast you have. They are also not true VHO bulbs. Bulb ratio should be 2 actinic to 1 10,000k for best results and most reef life.

[cpreefguy]

Where is the cheapest place to get these. Anybody have any hookups that they could let me in on? I called Alamo Aquatic and they said each bulb was $31.99! Crazy.

[alexwolf]

I bought mine from texas tropical. I think it was about that much. If you figure shipping from the online places, it breaks down to almost the same.

[Sherri]

Try CB Pets....I think Richard is now carrying them. (?)

[TexasState]

That sounds about reasonable for me. That's the price you're going to have to pay every 9 to 12 months replace them out.


they said each bulb was $31.99! Crazy.

[Instar]

I try to buy all my bulbs from the internet. Usually save about 25% with shipping included. Replace them every 6 months if you keep stony photosynthetic corals.