Type Of Lighting Question

[pikkastang]

I currently have a 29 gallon reef tank with one 55 watt power compact smart light (50/50). Im moving up to a 75 gallon (48x18x20). I have been hearing the debate about whether to go with Power compacts or VHO. what are the difference and advantages of going with the VHO's. Also what is PAR? If i where to go with the VHO's i know i would get the ICE CAP 430. But im still kind of out in the dark about VHO's. INform me if you will.

 

[stilmas]

Power compacts work very well, but in my opinion you are limited to the color of your bulbs, depending on the size of them. I use PC since it was the only affordable solution for my small light strips at the time. If I were you, I'd go with an Ice Cap 660. The 660 puts out more light than the 430 and you can do more combinations with it. Also, you can use NO bulbs with an Ice Cap ballast and get just as much light out of it. Some people may disagree with that, but people do it and Ice Cap says it's fine to do. The only difference between a VHO bulb and a NO besides the major price difference is that the VHO bulbs have more phosphors in them, that's it.

[ November 14, 2001: Message edited by: stilmas ]</p>

 

[pikkastang]

What is an NO Light.

 

[stilmas]

normal output, your basic flourecent tube.

 

[mtellin]

A lampsnow ballast can do the same thing as well, and contrary to popular belief can overdrive NO bulbs and also run different combinations of bulbs, exactly the same as the 430 or 660 depending on which you choose....much cheaper too

Mike