Lighting Newbie...

[themissinglynk]

Let's not even discuss my existing lighting... basically, I have the Jack's standard lighting - 2 Marine Glo, a Power Glo, and a Life Glo.

So, my question is -- I just bought a "Box of Crap" (http://www.championlighting.com/prod...cat=768&page=1). I really did get a box of crap (some Cichlid food, some calcium additive, and some crappy Incandescent bulbs). BUT...

I also got an ARO Ballast (Model: VHO-4LX Flourescent - High Performance Energy Efficient). Says it powers up to 440 Watts, maximum 16 feet of T12 VHO lamp. Operates 2, 3, and 4 lamps.

Has the normal power cord that goes to the wall, and then a cord that I assume goes to the lighting... some crazy kind of 16-pin thingy.

Okay, so now that I have this... um... what do I do with it?

[Wiskey]

You can buy VHO waterproof endcaps,.. VHO bulbs, and hook the wires coming out of that plug to the endcaps,.. bulbs to the endcaps, crazy plug into the side of the ballast, and have a VHO lighting system.

How long is your tank?

Whiskey

[hng]

Hmm...might want to research if that thing can drive T5HO bulbs. If it can, then I would definitely do that instead. It sounds like an ice cap 660 clone or something.

[Wiskey]

Originally Posted by hng

Hmm...might want to research if that thing can drive T5HO bulbs. If it can, then I would definitely do that instead. It sounds like an ice cap 660 clone or something.

I agree 100% If memory serves it doesn't, but definitally look it up and make sure.

Whiskey

[themissinglynk]

Originally Posted by Wiskey

You can buy VHO waterproof endcaps,.. VHO bulbs, and hook the wires coming out of that plug to the endcaps,.. bulbs to the endcaps, crazy plug into the side of the ballast, and have a VHO lighting system.

How long is your tank?

Whiskey

Standard 55 gallon (48" wide) tank. Right now, I have 2 x 24" Double-fixtures. I guess planning to either ditch them, or use them to handle "dawn and dusk" simulation.

More shopping to do!

[motorslave]

$ VHOs will fit perfect on a 55. That is what I had on my first tank. Two 10Ks and two actinics. I also have ARO ballasts but not the harnesses. I had to wire them myself. Mine dont run T-5s that I know of.

[themissinglynk]

Originally Posted by motorslave

$ VHOs will fit perfect on a 55. That is what I had on my first tank. Two 10Ks and two actinics. I also have ARO ballasts but not the harnesses. I had to wire them myself. Mine dont run T-5s that I know of.

Okay, what is a "harness"? (I'm a mechanical engineer, so I can handle some wiring... but I'm at a loss not knowing what half this stuff is).

So, if I want to do (2) 10Ks, and (2) Actinics, then I should be looking at the 4 bulbs, 4 sets of "endcaps", 4 "mounting thingies", and maybe (2) of the bar that holds 4 bulbs (to support the bulbs in the middle of the span)?

And all of this can be mounted in the nice hood I bought for the tank, right?

Right now, there's no fans or air circulation in the top of the tank either... do I need to worry about that right away, too?

Thanks,