Flourescent bulbs

toms · 04-08-2005, 03:28 PM

I was thumbing through this month's issue of FAMA and came across an ad for aquarium lighting that I had never seen before. At the bottom of the add was the address of the company. It was only 2 miles from where I work! They advertise 3 Voltarc bulbs that will replace the 3 URI bulb types.

Has anyone had any experience with Voltarc bulbs? I have been using URI for years with no problems. The price of the bulbs are roughly 60% of what I am paying now and hopefully I can avoid shipping costs by just running over at lunch time and picking them up.

The link is www.aquariumlamps-factorydirect.com

tims · 04-08-2005, 09:35 PM

never heard of them but the prices are almost too good to be true!..
if you get some let us know!

tdwyatt · 04-09-2005, 11:08 AM

Check for internal reflectors on the bulbs and for the use of Tri-phosphors and the color of light as well, would be interesting to see the spectrum graph for the bulbs, any chance you have access to them?

volitansman · 04-09-2005, 03:02 PM

I was just looking at their site and they have a section with spectral graphs and a description of the bulbs. The don't say they use Tri-phosphors but they claim to have a Specially formulated blend of enhanced actinic, "reversal" red, and rare earth phosphors in their 10,000k bulb. They are also available in an internal reflector version.

VWD · 04-09-2005, 04:30 PM

well That is cool but with the price of URI , I think very well priced I will stick with them, They have been here for a long time and until I learn more and hear all the positive info from users, or maybe give them a try on a few bulbs. what is the LINK to them?

Vince

volitansman · 04-10-2005, 04:06 AM

I guess I'm wrong they do state that they use tri Phosphors.

Quote:

All of the Voltarc lamps are specially formulated to provide life sustaining radiant energy for your aquarium and reptile biospheres, while using premium rare earth tri-band phosphors to vibrantly bring to life the colors of your aquatic, reptile and plant life.

And that link is http://www.aquariumlamps-factorydirect.com/

VWD · 04-10-2005, 08:15 AM

Thanks for the link, The prices look good and the claims they make also, never heard of them, If shipping is right may have to try them in the future.

Vince

toms · 04-10-2005, 02:39 PM

What is the deal with tri-phosphors. I feel like I don't know something that I should.

I have always used URI bulbs and have been quite happy. But when I found this add right in my own back yard it was definitely looking good.

toms · 04-11-2005, 11:06 AM

Tdwyatt, the spectral graphs you are looking for can be found on their website. And that link is http://www.aquariumlamps-factorydirect.com. Everbody seems concerned about tri-phosphors. Is that good or bad. It sounds like that is not a good thing. Can someone enlighten me.

Sorry for the pun but I couldn't help it.

volitansman · 04-11-2005, 11:17 PM

Tri-phospors are actually a good thing, they are a special blend of phosphorecsent coatings on the inside of a florescent bulb, and they produce a light that more closely aproximates natural light by putting off a wider spectrum.

Booboo33062 · 04-12-2005, 03:58 PM

Are these VHO lights? I am new to all this.

Thanks,

toms · 04-13-2005, 07:13 PM

Yes, that is what I am using. They have every length/wattage you can imagine with and without internal reflectors . Does URI use tri-phosphors? Have I been using these all along without even knowing? I am starting to learn...that is a scary thing.

tdwyatt · 04-15-2005, 11:36 AM

URI = triphosphors and reflectors.

Prolly the best VHO bubs on the market at this time.

HTH

toms · 04-15-2005, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdwyatt

URI = triphosphors and reflectors.

Prolly the best VHO bubs on the market at this time.

HTH

Thanks, I am going to try the Voltarc at half the price since they are local if they sell to walk-in customers. I am a little weary because I am afraid I might get what I pay for.... half price.....half the bulb. Right now I change my URI's every 10 months. That is when I start noticing algae growing and corals don't open as much. I will post how I make out.

tdwyatt · 04-19-2005, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toms

Thanks, I am going to try the Voltarc at half the price since they are local if they sell to walk-in customers. I am a little weary because I am afraid I might get what I pay for.... half price.....half the bulb. Right now I change my URI's every 10 months. That is when I start noticing algae growing and corals don't open as much. I will post how I make out.

It might actually be a good combination if overdrivven with an e-ballast (like Icecap 660), for many octocoral spp., you may be able to take a 660 and overdrive a bank of 6 bulbs (check for the max wattage, and make sure it doesn't exceed the total output of the Icecap ballast).

Once this is set up, use a quantum meter to evaluate PAR in mEs, first when the set up is new, then again after 100 hrs, then once a month after that to see how the setup does for bulb longevity.

Interesting concept! Although I don't think it will be intense enough for most reeftop spp., it could be, so without putting one together and testing it, we can only speculate... Regardless, it should be really good for many lagoonal systems, and with that many bulbs available, would be visually bright to say the least.