sad news...

[jasutton]

due to some recent catastrophies my budget is not what it was going to be...sooo...i will be bringing out the old VHO's (5-6 years old) and using those for the time being instead of getting my MH. Back when i had these lights they were the only style of VHO. I have a couple questions: 1.) what size are they, t12? 2.) there will be 2 75W tubes on top of my tank...should i get one all white and one actinic or different combos? 3.) where would be the best place to order reflectors for them and what are the best reflectors?? 4.) can i keep SPS? i never tried sps with these lights, rather i stuck to the LPS and softies

I am really kinda bummed...any advice and encouragement would help. Thanks all

jamie

[BubbaWPB]

I am really kinda bummed...any advice and encouragement would help. Thanks all

jamie

Well, I can't offer you any advice on the lighting... I'm electrically impaired. But I can offer general advice and encouragement. Everything works out for the best. You don't know where you'll be next year. Moving is a major PITA, and you will be so busy the next few years that you'll be glad the less you have to do at home. Patience is a necessity in a reef tank as well as lots of other events in life. Take this as an opportunity to take it slow. You'll get there, and then some - just not now.

Bubba

[zhenya]

Hey Jamie,

Don't dispair....
You don't really need reflectors for the VHO bulbs since they have internal reflectors. And yes, they are T12's.
As far as keeping sps corals, it would depend on the size/depth of the tank.

[jasutton]

Bubba-thanks i appreciate it.

My tank is a 20L 12 in deep. I can survive not getting sps, i was just excited thats all. If i can then i may, but i dont want to kill them by thinking i can...that make sense??

[Poseidon]

LOL! Yup! That made sense.

I'll bet you can get a couple SPS, my buddy has been keeping a couple Montipora species under PC for a year now. Also a Pocilliopora should be okay too!

[jasutton]

i know that the VHO's have internal reflectors, but wouldnt it be better to have outside reflectors too? or is it not worth the $$ and hassle.

Also, should i get two 50/50 bulbs or one white and one blue?

thanks
Jamie

[jasutton]

what kind of bulbs? i am getting them this week...need some advice!

thanks
jamie

[kevinpo]

One actinic/white and one super actinic will work fine. There are several LPS and several SPS corals that can be kept with your lighting.

Regards,
Kevin

[aquarookie]

With such a shallow tank, I do not see why you couldn't keep SPS with the VHOs. Just get the "easier" SPS.