What kind of VHO bulbs?

[anemonefish]

I'm going to use four 110 watt vhos(48") on my 50 gal for lighting. Can you guys give me some info on the different types of bulbs(im a newbie). So far I've found a few different types (by coralife):
10,000k
Actinic 03's
Trichromatic's
50\50's

whats the difference between them and whats the best four bulb configurtion from them?

Thanks, Justin

[ December 10, 2001: Message edited by: anemonefish ]</p>

 

[TimberTDI]

I've been using Coralife 2-160w 10k, and 2-160w Actinics. It gives off nice color.

 

[FishDaddy]

Justin,
I use URI bulbs; IMHO, the best bulbs going.
A good combo would be two Actinic White (50-50) and two Actinic 03 bulbs. If you prefer less blue, use three 50-50's and one 03; or substitute Aquasun's (10,000k) instead of 50-50's (12,000k). I use 550-50's and 03's and like the color.
Premiums Auatics has a good summary of lighting types....more info about specific bulbs within their site. http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Co de=PA&Category_Code=Lighting
HTH,
Dick

[ December 11, 2001: Message edited by: FishDaddy ]</p>

 

[SteveP]

Definitely go with the URI's. I have them and the Coralife Trichromatics. The URI's are WAY brighter.

Steve
8{I

 

[SPC]

I use 6 URI bulbs. 4 - 50/50, 1 - aquasun and 1 - actinic.
Steve

 

[slimy]

Another vote for URI. Built-in reflector is nice. Very bright bulb. For 4 bulbs, I would recommend:
3-50/50
1-blue

 

[mtellin]

I use 4 URI vho's, 2 50/50's and 2 Super Actinics, and am very happy with the color

Mike

[ December 11, 2001: Message edited by: mtellin ]</p>

 

[dsb1829]

Definitely another vote for URI. More lumens, better lifespan, and less blackening on the ends. I usually mix their actinic white (basically a 50/50) with 03 actinic. I have used their aquasun bulbs too, they are nice for a FO or tank lit entirely with VHO.

 

[anemonefish]

Where can i buy URIs online(best priced)and find more info on them?
What does it mean when it says "retrofit"(ballasts). Can you run the lights with only the ballast.(what more does retrofit give?)

sorry if these questions are dumb but i want to do my research and know what im buying.
thanks, justin

 

[shawnz28]

Maybe try Marine Depot if you order 6 of them you'd get free shipping. I had 4 vho's over my tank at first and was using 2 50/50's and 2 03's I ended up swaping the 50/50's for aquasuns because it was too blue for me and seems a bit brighter. Now I use 3 of each. I may end up trying SPC's combo in the future.

Shawn

 

[VkeSu]

We have URI, 1 atinic, 2 50/50 and 1 aquasun. I like the color. Marine Depot free shipping.

 

[reefcam]

Go with URI. I have all Super Actinic .03 (4 - 110W and 2 - 160W). Oh, they compliment the 2 400W MH and 2 150W MH.