Vho question

[michealprater]

I have noticed that vho actinic bulbs are cheaper than NO actinic bulbs. Why is this? What is the cheapest ballast I could get to fire up 2 48" vho bulbs? I have read a little about over driving NO. Would a ballast to do that save me enough to cover the difference between VHO and NO bulbs? Would a cheap NO ballast fire some of the cheaper VHO bulbs even though it would not put out the proper intensity? The reason I am asking, is because I am looking for the cheapest way to compliment the 6500K Iwasaki Mh bulbs I will be installing with some purple light. I really like a tank with a purple look. I will have the intensity I need with my MH. I just want to sell my pc setup because once I get the MH and actinic I wont need the pc. Sorry about all the questions. But believe it or not, all I have ever used has been pc, and I learning MH, but when it comes to VHO I know nothing. The only thing I have ever did with NO is put a bulb in a strip light and turn it on. Any help from you lighting gurus is appreciated.

[michealprater]

I know there is someone out there that can help me on this one. Please.

[michealprater]

If you view this you may find out how bad I need answers.

http://www.fanta.dk/showmovie.asp?mi...6-F5DC6C5BEC84

Where have you found VHOs cheaper? I have always seen them as close to the same $ or higher... In doing research, In your case.

I just want to sell my pc setup because once I get the MH and actinic I wont need the pc.

I think you will do better and cheaper going with 2 55 or 96 watt PC Actinics. They will be just as bright. I really don't think you will need the VHOs. IMO

[Anemoneman]

I think you will do better and cheaper going with 2 55 or 96 watt PC Actinics

I tend to agree. The main benefit of pc is the cost savings.

Ok, check this one out

http://www.fanta.dk/showmovie.asp?mi...A-A43872D0CA68

[michealprater]

The setup I currently have now is 2 400 watt metal halides and 4 x 96 watts of pc. The metal halides provide about 8 watts per gallon. So basically with them I have plenty of light. I just want to get lots of purple light for my personal preference in the way the tank looks. I dont really like the look of PC purple light compared to VHO and NO purple light. I can get VHO and NO bulbs for 20 bucks a pop. So if I went with a 4 bulb setup I could get the bulbs for around 80 bucks. So what is the cheapest ballast or ballasts I can get to fire up 4-48" bulbs VHO or NO? To afford this I will have to sell my pc setup. But it is worth it, because in the long run I am going to get the look I want. I am selling my pc setup for 250 if you know anyone interested, or I would trade it for a NO or VHO setup that fits my needs. Remember, this is all for the look of the tank, not the watts, I have my major lighting needs covered in my MH setup.

[michealprater]

I have checked www.happyreefing.com www.hellolights.com www.il-solutions.com and www.championlighting.com . None of them sell NO ballasts. Where else can I look. Hello lights does have NO super actinic 48 inch for 18.95 each. good deal.

Will the fullham workhorse 5 or 7 at happyreefing fire NO bulbs?

[michealprater]

would 2 of these work?

http://www.bulbs.com/products/produc...inventory=9394

Another option is corallife makes plug n play ballast 2 bulb kits for 40 bucks a pop. Just put in the bulbs and go.

[fishfreek]

Originally Posted by michealprater

would 2 of these work?

http://www.bulbs.com/products/produc...inventory=9394

Another option is corallife makes plug n play ballast 2 bulb kits for 40 bucks a pop. Just put in the bulbs and go.

They look to be just plain NO ballasts. You will need a VHO designed ballast to get the extra intensity out of the VHO bulbs.

Have you looked at ebay for referbished icecap ballasts? They will light any style of florecent bulb and are argitably the best florecent ballast on the market.


BTW, You two are killing me with these movies. They are so funny.