VHO Lights

[skylsdale]

If you read the link I provided, most of your questions will probably be answered. Like imow said, the guy who started this measured the output of the bulbs with a light meter--the numbers and formulas get a little intense, but he's got them all there.

One reason you don't hear about this is because the big companies aren't going to promote it. IceCap has run some tests, and they will admit that you can run NO bulbs on their ballasts. Most people just aren't trying it...a little too unconventional for some people's tastes. Who knows. It's relatively new, so it may take some time to catch on. I checked out the home BB of the engineer (reefburnaby) who started the thread, and it looks like it is really catching on over there.

 

[todd22]

Wow!!!!

Awsome link!!

thank you skysdale

 

[Xphixer2]

I was planning on purchasing a MH-VHO combo, but I am glad I didn't. I moved a floor lamp a little closer to the tank and duct taped a couple of 3"D" cell flashlights to canopy. I saved about a thousand dollars!!!!!!!

Hooray for me!!!!

"If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.."

 

[todd22]

"Too good to be true" Is not the case here. Read the link posted above. I did, and it convinced me to give it a try, so I hooked one of those ballasts up to my crappy 30 watt sump bulb and it has increased the lighting tremendously. The bulb is barely hot to the touch. Where do you think the suppliers of aquarium lighting get their ballasts and lamps from? Fantasy land? They are just the guys who mark up the price. This is just simple electronic and lighting knowledge put to use, cutting out the middle "mark up" man for us reefers to benefit. Sure I paid a bunch of money for a ice cap and some ridiculously priced PC equipment, but I will definitely be using standard home depot ballast for lighting upgades on my next tank. Read the link, the guy knows his sh##.

 

[jazzyreef]

great link. Incidentally, there was an article in FAMA last november about the same thing. Too bad I skimped when I bought my ballasts...I got them for CHEAP; worked at the lfs for a couple years..the wholesale of the icecaps is really negligible compared to mailorder prices. I couldn't afford $170. I think I paid about 40 apiece for my magnetic tar ballasts. Oh well. There's always Ebay.