In your opinion

[trido]

Am I wasting electricity using three (instead of two) actinic VHOs along side of 500W of 14k MH? My ballast is an Ice cap 440 with is capable of running it.I wonder if the difference between two and three is the difference in underdriving and overdriving the VHOs in which case I might be just as well off using two. :?


I am considering using only two and setting up a NO 6500k to bring out the reds when for Im in the mood for the color.

 

[spaulr]

I'm sure you are getting plenty of of the blue spectrum with the 14k halides and 2 actenics. Can you notice a difference in the "blueness" of the tank with the extra actinic? Unless you like the way it looks with the extra actenic, I would say try the 6500 NO.

 

[trido]

Any one else have an opinion today?

 

[Unarce]

What 14ks are you running?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if I understand your question.

If you run less lamps, you'll use less power. But that's not necessarily a waste. Do you need the third lamp to get the color that is pleasing to your eye? Do you need the third lamp for the par needed for your animals?

Louey

 

[Len]

I have some opinions. They are usually wrong though Personally, I run as many actinics as my ballast and canopy can handle. I love the look and effect of actinics, so my opinion is that the more the merrier.

 

[trido]

The bulbs are 250 14K phoenix DE. I have seen the hamilton 250 14K SE and the phoenix are much less intense and bluer if that says anything. Its not important, just thought I'd make a note if anyone cares.

Do you need the third lamp to get the color that is pleasing to your eye?

I doubt it, The phoenix are so blue that I really cant tell much difference when the VHOs are off.
Edit; OK so I lied. After a little experimentation I can tell the difference with and with out the actinic VHO. I am sure however, that the third one wont make or break the bank when it comes to my happiness.

Do you need the third lamp for the par needed for your animals?

I dont know, I added the third bulb when I removed a set of 196W 50/50 PC (when the tank was very young) and wanted to make up the difference in wattage one way or another. Right now I have 830 watts over the 120 and have 95% SPS. I would hate to lose the color of my lower SPS if I remove the bulb that is making it all possible.

Personally, I run as many actinics as my ballast and canopy can handle. I love the look and effect of actinics, so my opinion is that the more the merrier.

I was working on some loc lines from the back of the tank last night thinking " If I only had one bulb back here I could access this a Little bit easier. Maybe I could throw a cheap NO bulb over the MH just for the occasional red look." I could always keep the third actinic and still get the NO bulb as well.

 

[Chubosco]

Lord, I LOVE your avatar Louey!

 

[bleedingthought]

First, I would unscrew the third VHO bulb and turn the actinics on and see if you notice a difference with it off. And even if you do, if you're happy with it. In my opinion, your corals will be fine. It's just what you like by now. And then, why not replace that VHO would a lower kelvin bulb instead of putting a NO bulb in there?