ID on lights????

[Spick]

Well probably a stupid question considering I've had the lights for 3 months now. But... i was hoping to get the REEF terms i guess you would call it on how you would describe your lights potency.

I have,
2- 3 foot whiute lights (i believe 10k)
2- 3 foot alkinic blue lights

Thjats as much as i know. I see when people describe their lights they have much more inof then what i know. Is there anyway, for any of you to be able to tell me what i have or would my best bet be asking my LFS what lights they sold me?

I'll ask either way tonight, and get back to you guys tomorrow.. thnx in advance

[Poseidon]

I have a red car, it has 4 doors and 4 tires. It also has a tailpipe and 2 headlights.... Can you tell me what I have? ;)

You get the idea right? The only thing I can say for certain is you do NOT have Metal Halide. You may have NO (normal output) VHO (very high output) PC (power compact) or MAYBE even T5... I suspect you have NO bulbs, if you had anything else you WOULD know it, since the cost is MUCH higher!

[kevinpo]

Most bulbs will have writing on them near one of the ends. If you look and post the numbers we may be able to tell you exactly what you have. The most common types of lighting in the aquarium industry are T-8 or T-12 lighting. T-12's look like the lights used in offices and T-8's look the same just smaller diameter.

HTH,
Kevin

[Spick]

awesome thnx... and Poseidon i get your point.... I figured that would be a response. I'll definitely try and be more specific... thnx for the input either way...

[Spick]

You get the idea right? The only thing I can say for certain is you do NOT have Metal Halide. You may have NO (normal output) VHO (very high output) PC (power compact) or MAYBE even T5... I suspect you have NO bulbs, if you had anything else you WOULD know it, since the cost is MUCH higher!

OKay... i've determined i have NO (normal output) and two 30W white tubes @ 18000K and two 30W blue actinics not sure on the K's....

I've been doing some reading on lighting which i should have done before, but my buddy set me up witht eh lights. I think i like the VHO, or maybe even the Compact flourecent? what do you think? because what can i keep COral wise with the lighting i have?

[Poseidon]

Very little as far as Corals are concerned. Maybe some mushrooms, or Anthelia, but that would be about it. If you go VHO or PC that would mean you could keep almost all the softies, and most LPS, even a few SPS (very low light stuff though) I had a 55 with PC and it did quite well, but I like the Actinic of VHO much better, it really glows!

[Spick]

Very little as far as Corals are concerned. Maybe some mushrooms, or Anthelia, but that would be about it. If you go VHO or PC that would mean you could keep almost all the softies, and most LPS, even a few SPS (very low light stuff though) I had a 55 with PC and it did quite well, but I like the Actinic of VHO much better, it really glows!

What kinda price range am i looking at for VHO's... ...and to change to VHO i would just need to change the fixtures and bulbs on my "lid" (canopy)?