garth7
Aquarium Advice Activist
Hello group,
Hey I had a move a while back and had to dissassemble and reassemble. While doing so, I am thinking about getting a different lighting system. I currently have a Coral Life VHO florescent ballast system. I think this is 440 watts total power (110 per bulb). Now, I have heard that MH are the way to go but bring up energy costs. I thought about Power Compacts being that they seem to use less power, run cooler and longer. Any word on this? I want to eventually keep corals and want to start off on the right foot. Also, (I hate to say it but I have to) my wife has me on a budget. (For some reason she thinks she has to eat.... haha)
So, the following questions I have to ask are:
Even though PC are lower in wattage, they provide more light than the VHO florescents (am i right for thinking this?) I read in an article that they provide 3 times more wattage than the standard florescent bulb. How can rate these or compare these with my VHO bulbs in terms of power?
Also, does anyone have any suggestions for MH or PC ballasts, which ones are the best bang for the buck?
Hey I had a move a while back and had to dissassemble and reassemble. While doing so, I am thinking about getting a different lighting system. I currently have a Coral Life VHO florescent ballast system. I think this is 440 watts total power (110 per bulb). Now, I have heard that MH are the way to go but bring up energy costs. I thought about Power Compacts being that they seem to use less power, run cooler and longer. Any word on this? I want to eventually keep corals and want to start off on the right foot. Also, (I hate to say it but I have to) my wife has me on a budget. (For some reason she thinks she has to eat.... haha)
So, the following questions I have to ask are:
Even though PC are lower in wattage, they provide more light than the VHO florescents (am i right for thinking this?) I read in an article that they provide 3 times more wattage than the standard florescent bulb. How can rate these or compare these with my VHO bulbs in terms of power?
Also, does anyone have any suggestions for MH or PC ballasts, which ones are the best bang for the buck?