Newbie needs help with lighting

[banzai75x]

Hello,

I am very new to this hobby. I currently have a 20gallon freshwater that I want to convert. I'm thinking of keeping fish initially but eventually will want to make it into fish and corals.

My question concerns my lighting. I have a lighting apparatus that currently holds one 18" flouresecent bulb. It looks like it has enough room for at least 1 more bulb and receptacle and maybe 1 more.

Would it be okay if I just went to home depot and bought another 18" flouresecent and mounted it in my holder? Can I then use 2 30W VHO bulbs? Or do I have to buy anything special to use those type of bulbs?

 

[BillyZ]

Welcome to AA Banzai!!

To use VHO bulbs you will need a ballast that will drive them. I believe you can get those at HD as well but I'll let some others who are more familiar wtih those types of bulbs give you more specific info. You might find some helpful info in our DIY section.