VHO types

[eric]

I've got 3 @ 36" VHO bulbs and I am wanting to replace one. I am attempting to replace one every 6 months or more frequent instead of replacing all once a year or so.

I'm still confused about mixture of bulbs though. I've always tried to just mix them. I think I got the Icecap in '96.

Currently I have one each of Super Actinic(call true blue spectrum), Actinic White(12K) and Aquasun(10K) (all URI) and I've got another Aquasun in the closet with only a few months on it (I have as backup).

Any suggestions on a mix? Yes, I like the way the tank looks now, if that's all that matters, but then again, I'm color blind. I like the things, not the colors mainly.

I keep several leathers, anemones, LPS and a couple SPS up high.
All do very well in the configuration now.

[JimD]

Ditch the Aquasuns and get more 10K's, 50/50's and actinics... Aquasuns are nowhere near 10k. They suck for saltwater, imo.

[eric]

You're saying the Aquasun isn't the 10K they claim? 50/50 is the Actinic White I believe.

[z28pwr]

To give you an idea I have four Atinic VHO bulbs and two 10K bulbs in my tank.

[JimD]

If I was to do VHO's only, Id go with Coralife 10K's << (I really like this bulb, clean, crisp white) and URI actinics. 50/50's plus actinics can get too blue, at least for me.

[dwdenny]

Along for the ride here but I do have a question how ofter should URI super actinics be replaced?

[JimD]

I replaced one of three URI actinics after about three years of use and could just barely tell the difference. Im gonna run them till they die!

[dwdenny]

That is good to know thatnks JimD

[falcondob]

I am going to run 2 250w 20k SE and 2 400w 10k SE. I want to add VHO supplement. What would the recommendation be? I have room for 4 4 foot bulbs.

[dwdenny]

well 4 (4') VHO bulbs. j/k I think most prefer the URI Super Actinics they have an internal 180 degree reflector that helps so you don't have to have a refelctor but still would help get more light in the tank if you had one.

[dwdenny]

well 4 (4') VHO bulbs. j/k I think most prefer the URI Super Actinics they have an internal 180 degree reflector that helps so you don't have to have a refelctor but still would help get more light in the tank if you had one. Not sure what you are asking though.

[dwdenny]

sorry for the double post