Equipment - Yet Another Newbie Lighting Question

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Yet Another Newbie Lighting Question

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=560
Printed Date: September 17 2025 at 2:54pm
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Topic: Yet Another Newbie Lighting Question

Posted By: twflint
Subject: Yet Another Newbie Lighting Question
Date Posted: May 28 2003 at 10:59am

Well, yesterday morning I seem to have fried my VHO ballast. I bought the ballast a month or so from Hellolights.com and its been running well, got the 220 ballast that would run 2 110w VHO's. When I turned it on yesterday morning (yes, I know, TIMERS, but I couldn't find a grounded timer when I was out looking.) I heard a bit of a crackle, looked over at the wiring harness quick connect and could see some sparks. Hellolights thinks water got in it, but the way I had it hung (with drip loop) I doubt that, unless it was just condensation.

To make a long story sorta short, the ballast is no discontinued, so I upgraded to a 440 ballast with a 4 bulb harness for a little more money. They were really cool, just charging me the difference and shipped the ballast out last night right after I called them. Should be here tomorrow UPS. I am VERY happy with Hellolights customer service atm.

So, now to the point of my post. You may remember I have a 90 gallon 48X24X18 tank, currently running 2 175w MH 10,000k bulbs. I have 2 48" URI Super Actinic VHO bulbs. Now I need to more VHO bulbs. Should I go with a couple 50/50's or should I get 2 10,000K Daylights, or even just add 2 more actinics?

Anyone else have a similar setup that could shed some 'light' on my situation? (yeah, bad pun, i know. )

Thanks, Troy

Replies:

Posted By: WhiteReef
Date Posted: May 28 2003 at 3:12pm

Actually you should still be able to run just the current two bulbs that you have, and you don't need to add in any additional bulbs. Mine is setup with two actinic and two 50/50 bulbs, and I have had great success with that setup.

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Richard

Former 47G Column Reef, Magna
20" x 18" x 31"H

Posted By: twflint
Date Posted: May 28 2003 at 4:17pm

Not sure, but I think this balast requires all 4 bulbs. Now I am just torn between 2 50/50 or 2 daylights. I think I will go with the daylights, as I will actually have 2 110w actinics, 1 40w actinic and then 2 110w daylights with the 2 175w MH. I hope the extra daylights help with coralline growth.

Posted By: Kahuna
Date Posted: May 28 2003 at 4:45pm

I've got a couple icecap 440's and you can wire them for 2,3 or 4 bulbs. Their website shows you how to wire for each application.

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Cell 801 860-7333

Posted By: Sarnack
Date Posted: May 28 2003 at 5:41pm

The more actinic the better if you are looking to stimulate coralline growth. Coralline like less intense and more blue light.

Posted By: John Fletcher
Date Posted: May 29 2003 at 10:01am

I would go with all Actinic's also. Just for an example: I have 1 175 W 10,000K MH and 4 VHO bulbs. I had 2 actinics and 2 50/50, it was a very bright white, washed everything out. I just changed the 50/50 bulbs to actinic and the look of the tank is plesant, more natural looking, not bright and too white.

Posted By: twflint
Date Posted: May 30 2003 at 8:01am

Got the new ballast yesterday UPS. Got everything hooked up last night. I took everyones advice and went with Actinics. Running 350w 10,000K MH and 440w VHO Actinic looks GREAT! I love the look. Thanks everyone for the input!

Troy

Posted By: Marcus
Date Posted: May 30 2003 at 2:42pm

Twflint - I am glad you like the bulbs you got. That is a ton of light on a 90 gallon! You shouldn't have any problems with acropora now.

Marcus

Posted By: MarineAquatics
Date Posted: May 30 2003 at 4:18pm

yes I agree it will servive under that lighting but I would suggest at least 1 250 watt metal halide in the center or 2 175 w on the ends for it to thrive and color up to its potential. (remember all acro or sps corals will color up differently to different lighting and water conditions.) Thats just my 2 cents worth. The best of luck.................RYAN WILLIAMS

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quit bussiness

Posted By: twflint
Date Posted: May 30 2003 at 6:21pm

Actually, the 350watts I have is from 2 175 watt MH, one at each end of the tank. I hope this all works out. =)

Posted By: MarineAquatics
Date Posted: May 31 2003 at 3:51pm

I didnt see your post that you had 2 175 watt MH sorry ru still thinking of putting on 2 110 watt 10 white vho????????

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quit bussiness

Posted By: twflint
Date Posted: May 31 2003 at 8:14pm

I went with 4 110w actinics. I REALLY like the look in there now. And after just 2 days I am seeing a Noticeable improvement in coralline algae.