Help, PC's or VHO's

[daveyakiwchuk]

Decisions decisions.....

I have a 90 gallon and Im ready for lights, Im going to buy a PFO unit with 2 250W 6500K bulbs, but what to complement them with? 2 96W PC actinincs, or 2 110W VHO's?

Any suggestions.

 

[reefsnreptiles1]

Personally I would go with vho's. We have both PC's and VHO's and the actinic on the vho's is much nicer IMO. Corals flouresce under the vho actinics much more.

Hope that helps!

Brian

 

[daveyakiwchuk]

Ive heard PC's Spectrum last alot longer?

 

[danmhippo]

6500K is really quite yellow. I would go for 14000K bulb and skip the actinic supplementation all together. If you really like the crisp white light, than go for the 20000K bulb.

Actinic supplementation (PC or VHO) are not benefiting corals but instead only pleases human's eye. It may be cool to see the flourescent reflection when you turn the actinic light on at night. Other than that, it's really not benefiting the corals.

If you insist on getting the actinic, I would go for VHO.

 

[Will C1]

vho's deffinately. they last longer and if you go to the right place they are cheaper. as for the specrtum its a blue bulb it wont loose it untill they burn out.

 

[Unarce]

:wink: There's not much of a difference between VHO or PC, but you'll have wavering opinions. It's probably more important to concentrate on the proper spectrum for what you decide to keep and for what purpose. 10K+ and actinic will work best for the deeper soft corals where the blue light can penetrate. Many prefer the crisper white look as well. SPS corals can also be kept under this lighting but for them to thrive and for propagation purposes, a lower kelvin would simulate lighting closer to the surface with more of the yellow, green, and red spectrum with actinic supplementation. Like high noon. This is more along the lines of your current bulb choices. I hope this helps.

 

[wally311]

Last week I would've recommended VHO's, but I just replaced my 55W CSL actinic with a 65W CSL Super Actinic and am quite impressed! It is much bluer than my other one ever was, so I might be leaning back towards PC, since they tend to last longer. Just my opinion!

-Troy