FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I have a similiar thread in reef-keeping but i have a few more questions on the subject of lighting that doesnt pertain only to reefs. It is a 20h tank. I would invest in a halide coralife lamp, but im not sure if it would be worth my $$$ since i dont kow how serious i want to get. My first option would be to get a twin-tube strip light. But im pretty sure that normal fluorescent bulbs will not do the trick, can i put VHO bulbs in a normal twin-tube strip light? If i were to go with the strip light, what bulbs should i get? Would that twin-tube light (using VHOs, if that is possible) be sufficient for corals? Thanks, im pretty nervous about setting up my first marine, but everything seems to be going smooth so far.

You will not be able to put VHO tubes into the regular strip light, unless your wire a new ballast and stuff to it.

Twin VHO's may be sufficient for corals, but it all depends on which corals you wish to keep

Do they sell strip lights that come ready for VHO use, or must you always wire a new ballast?

You could order something like thisHelloLights

I can't say I've ever seen a standard type florecent strip light set up for VHO.

I think i may just get one of those coralife compacts http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=24055;category_id=1875;pcid1=1843;pcid2= . Can someone explain how a ballast kit works though, thanks.

[span class="edited"][Edited by lunker101 2004-08-18 15:57][/span]

A ballast kit(i dont know much)for like a DIY is just a little box. It allows more power than normal output(NO) to run through allowing for more wattage in the bulb. The whole kit would be a ballast and wires that connect to the bulbs. The easy way to do a 20 gallon would probably be to just get a ballast that runs 80 watts(like one that would run a pair of NO bulbs on a 48inch tank), and use twin lights with up to 40 watts per bulb. If you dont get that i think someone can clarify it for me or just say something and i will try to reword it.

Yes i understand. I think im going to settle on this though http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=24055;category_id=1875;pcid1=1843;pcid2= unless someone has a suggestion for something just as good for a lower price.

Ok, the bigals CF is a good price and all but just showing you some other options. I think you can beat the price doin a simple DIY. I tihink you may be able to get 2-3 48in shoplights. The ballast should be able to do 80w and you can tear it apart and get the ballasts(i dont know if this would work). The ballast should be able to run a 75w 24in VHO. You can get just 2 and already have more than the CF, or you can get 3 and really give the tank some light, though 10w per gallon is kinda excessive so maybe you just put a NO bulb in the third? Then you can build a simple hood with a little wood, add some vents( a fan if you really want one), and your ready to go.

This would cost about...
(2) shoplights $10(x2)
(2) 24in VHO bulbs $20(x2)
building materials for
hood $30 probably

So with that you have only spent $90, did a little work yourself and now have $40 more to spend on LR or corals or fish or whatever.

Again just a suggestion.

[span class="edited"][Edited by fantomfish 2004-08-18 18:50][/span]