VHO Question

[JWW]

Currently running 4 160 watt VHO's on my 180 gallon. No SPS, mostly softies, mushrooms, and some LPS. Do have a derasa and squamosa clam. All are looking good, but would i have any benefit from adding a couple more 160 watt VHO's that would make it worth the extra $$$. I know the clams probably would appreciate it. Can't go MH as the modifications i would have to make would have me and my tank out on the porch thanks to my wife.

[Poseidon]

Welcome to Reefland JWW!!!

I say yes, the clams will certainly appreciate it, and if you have the room and the budget it will certainly make your tank even BRIGHTER!!!

[JWW]

Yea that was kinda my thoughts. The equipment is on order and soon to be in operation. Have plenty of room for a couple more VHO's It will give me a little over 5 watts a gallon. Actually have room to add 4 more, but whew that would strain the budget. Don't know if that would be overkill or not with what I'm planning on keeping (no SPS) Thanks for response

Welcome to Reefland JWW!!!

I say yes, the clams will certainly appreciate it, and if you have the room and the budget it will certainly make your tank even BRIGHTER!!!

[Reefland]

Hi JWW and Welcome to Reefland!

First of all, there is no such thing as an overkill when it comes to lighting. We can over heat for sure but we could never provide the same intensity that coral receive in nature. Adding a couple of more VHO tubes is a good thing. Also, you mentioned "5 watts per gallon". This is not a good way to judge the amount of lighting over your aquarium. If I had 4-30watt tubes over a 10 gallon aquarium, I would have "12 watts per gallon", but NO tubes are not sufficient for clams or SPS.

Scott Z.

[JWW]

Yea, I understand. Read where some "expert" said watts per square foot is a better guide. That too is easily shown to not be always true by your example. I know it comes down to intensity and spectrum, which metal halide does the best. Have a DAS tank that i pulled out internal filter on with enclosed hood,and it would take quite a bit of modification to switch. Don't think wife will go for it. I guess I'll upgrade to 6 160 watt VHO's and maybe add a couple more later. As long as i stay away from SPS should be ok

Hi JWW and Welcome to Reefland!

First of all, there is no such thing as an overkill when it comes to lighting. We can over heat for sure but we could never provide the same intensity that coral receive in nature. Adding a couple of more VHO tubes is a good thing. Also, you mentioned "5 watts per gallon". This is not a good way to judge the amount of lighting over your aquarium. If I had 4-30watt tubes over a 10 gallon aquarium, I would have "12 watts per gallon", but NO tubes are not sufficient for clams or SPS.

Scott Z.

[reewik]

Can we see some pics? I love the size of a 180

[JWW]

Click on my gallery. I've uploaded a pic. Not sure how to post it here. The tank is still "a work in progress" much like everybody's I guess. I left a large area in the middle for a swimming area. My tank will be a little more fish heavy than most when I'm done probably. Have a few in 55 gallon qt now and will add in a week or so. Going shopping for corals tommorrow so hopefully will add a few. Pic isn't near as clear as I like, but you can get the general idea.

[Reefland]

Looks great to me! I really like to middle of the tank being open like that.

[reewik]

I tottally agree with Scott Z. I like when folks do not build a solid wall in the back of the tank. That is just my opinion. I too have done it but prefer the more natural open look of your and others like it.

JWW vbmenu_register("postmenu_79514", true); ,

To post a pic just click on the reply button and use the manage attachments button. Click browse to select your pic. then click the upload button until the attachment shows up. Close and post. Pretty easy...

[JWW]

Thanks for the info on posting pics. I think my biggest problem was I hadn't completed my registration and I wasn't allowed to. lol I checked the bottom and it said I couldn't post attachments. Finished my Reg. and I can now.
Yea I like the open look better myself. The Fish were what first brought me to saltwater, and I still want them to be a main focus in my tank. I currently have 3 Lyretail anthias, 2 purple firefish in the tank. I had a small ich outbreak because of a heater malfunction so my Purple Tang,maroon clown, and Juvenile Imperator Angel are in QT. I'm being very selective on Corals I add because of the Angel. No meaty brains or the like.I've read where people have had success with these fish with softies and some LPS. I will have to watch the Derasa and make sure it doesn't nip. I plan on the Angel being the centerpiece fish so if it comes down to that I guess the clam goes back.
Gonna add a small Green chromis school and a Hippo Tang and debating a Flame (same concern as Imperator) and probably one of the tank raised purple Fridmani pseudochromis from Live aquaria

I need a better camera. the Pic doesn't do the tank justice. Much clearer and brighter than it appears, and after I add 2 more 160 watt vho's next week will be more so. The colt coral in the middle of my tank is the size of a basketball. Had it on the rocks, but grew too darn big to quick. A good thing i guess. lol
JWW vbmenu_register("postmenu_79514", true); ,

To post a pic just click on the reply button and use the manage attachments button. Click browse to select your pic. then click the upload button until the attachment shows up. Close and post. Pretty easy...[/QUOTE]

[reewik]

You realize you can cut the colt into frags and attach them to a rock with a piece of a plastic fork or a rubber band around 2 rocks. Then you can trade for store credit...

[JWW]

Yep, Eventually will do it if it gets much larger. Really like the way it looks now between the two rock outcroppings. it has a nice dark purplish color to it and makes a good show piece in center of tank. I'm kinda limited to what i can put down low on the bed because of a pair of Diamond watchman gobies I have. They bury anything I try to put there except the clam.

[andycook]

I put two sets of 4 36" vho on my 180. That makes 840 watts. As soon as I can afford it I will add mh.

[JWW]

I've probably spent enough (3 ice cap 660 Ballasts with bulbs) to have MH. My problem is my tank is a 12 year old DAS Tank. It has a wood cabinet with enclosed top. Would of had to do a lot of modification and redid the top for them. My tank is the centerpiece in what my wife calls our "formal" living room. She would not hear of a large cumbersome top on the tank. So I'll make due with VHO's though I really do like the color they give and they should work great with what I'm keeping. No SPS , well I do have a green horn SPS that is doing well at the top of tank. Not gonna chance anything else