VHO Bulb recommendations

[BoomerD]

I have a 90 gal. that I'm setting up FOWLR. I just acquired a I/C 430 ballast for the lighting, and I have a few questions. The IceCap webpage says I can run 3-48" 110w bulbs, but Champion and a couple of others say only 2. Next, for fish & live rock, which bulbs will be the best? I realize the fish won''t care much, but which bulb or combination will be best for the rock and make the fish look their best at the same time? Will I want 10,000 K or 12,000K? Either by themselves or with the straight actinics?
Thanks.

[jersey]

Hi BoomerD, when my 90 was a fish only I liked the actinic white and super actinic bulb combo.

[Skunk Clown]

i think ice cap would know more about the product that a retailer would.....
oh wait, the retailer wants you to buy more........... i see it now.
430 will run i believe 12 feet of bulbs
660 will run 16 feet.

[kevinpo]

Here is the wiring diagram for the 3 bulb setup.
http://www.icecapinc.com/wire430-3.htm

And here is the application table.
http://www.icecapinc.com/apptab.htm

HTH,
Kevin

[BoomerD]

Thanks Kevin, that's where I got my info from. Curious why Champion, one of the largest IceCap dealers, says only 2- 4' bulbs. Maybe just as SkunkClown says, they want you to buy, buy, buy!!

[tendar]

I would go with 2 50/50 bulbs and 1 actinic. This should give a nice color.

[BoomerD]

Just as an FYI to all. While Icecap states that the 430 will indeed power 3 110 w. bulbs, they admit that it will also be pushing the ballast to it's max, possibly shortening it's life. Also, you'll get more light per bulb pushing 2 instead of 3. I guess that settles it for me. More light will have to wait until I add a 660.