VHO vs ??????

[Hammmerhead]

Been running 4, 6 foot VHO's on a 6 foot tank for several years along with 2 400watt 10k halides. Sometimes I would run all Actinics and sometimes 2 actinics and 2 50/50's. I have 2 Ice Cap 660's and was thinking about trying the Guisseman (sp) T5's. Anyone know if there would be any big benefits to this or should I just stick with the VHO's?

 

[benny z]

before you swich, check out the new "454" vho bulbs! very much like the t5 blue+ color - love it!

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

+1 for the "454" bulb.
Just use those instead of the T5's.
I too am a fan of VHO over other light fixtures.

 

[benny z]

i am running 2 of each over my display... 2 super acts + 2 454s, supplementing radium 20k. love the look.

 

[Reeferdood]

+ 3 for VHO's

 

[Hammmerhead]

Are these like the old 50/50's? I guess I should run two of these with 2 Actinics since Im running 10k Halides. What do you guys think?

 

[benny z]

no - not like the 50/50 at all. it is a pure 460nm blue v/s the 420nm purple of the traditional super actinics. the 454 will make oranges and yellows go nuts. plus they are visually brighter looking than the super acts and will give your tank a nice very blue appearance.

 

[Hammmerhead]

Ok, will I still need the actinics? I am pretty bright as it is with the 10K XM's. Maybe two 454's, two actinics and the XM's? Anyone have a pic of a 454 lit up?

 

[purplereef]

One of these lighting companies needs to come out with a VHO only light pendent! I guess you cannot beat the VHO POP.

 

[smcooler]

what the heck is a 454 and where do i get some running 4 400 watt radiums and 4 6 foot vho's over my 180

 

[benny z]

454 is the new "blue" vho bulb from uv lighting company. you can see more info on their website.

most of the sponsors here should be able to hook you up.

 

[benny z]

Anyone have a pic of a 454 lit up?

i can accomodate that request.

all but the bottom pic in this series are w/ radiums + 454 + super act:

 

[benny z]

*if you want, i can take a couple shots later tonight w/ only the vhos running.

 

[Hammmerhead]

Thanks Benny, great looking tank and sweet frags. Im still a little fuzzy on these 454's. Do they replace the old Actinics or should still run the Actinics and the 454's together? The old 50/50's helped brighten up the center of my tank. Maybe I should do 2 454's, 1 actinic and one 50/50? Dang! The combinations are endless!:smile:

BTW are those Radiums 20K?

 

[benny z]

i rock 2 of each. a local is going to build me some brackets to get them out of the middle of the tank, so this is temporary, but here's a pic:

now here's the kicker - they have a new tri-band bulb that is 75% blue and 25% white, too. i have one to try, but haven't swapped it in yet.

i'd just buy 2 of the 454s and swap them in with two of your super acts and see if you like the look.

cheers!
- ben

 

[Hammmerhead]

Thanks for the pics Ben. Are the center two the 454's?

 

[benny z]

yep. white balance is a little funky shooting directly at the vhos, but you can clearly see the super acts are purple v/s the blue of the 454s.

 

[PSU Reefer]

Love my "454" but I'm also partial to VHO'S

 

[LegoZ81]

another vote for 454's also. I am still debating whether or not to do 4x4' 454 or 2x4' 454 and 2x4' super actinic.