Installing old VHOs in a new hood

Ol Studly · 02-12-2001, 06:51 AM

Hi All,

I've about picked out a new hood but I could use some help. If I order a mh/actinic how difficult would it be to replace the two NOs with two of the VHOs from my current setup? I have a 1 year old IceCap ABS hood with 4 72" VHOs. I hate to pay extra for VHOs on the new hood and just sit the old hood in a corner to collect dust. Do I even need the VHOs? W/ the NOs I'll have 3x400w of mh plus 2x40w of NOs for 1,280w. If I do the VHOs I'll have 1,520w. (Sounds like I could sunbathe under this thing ;-> )Will the MHs overpower the NO actinics or will I be ok without the VHOs? Sorry if this is a lot of questions but I want to get this right. Thanks.

Studly

P.S. This is going on a 180g.(6x2x2)

Rick O · 02-12-2001, 07:10 AM

Hello fellow Georgian,

I've lived in GA for 42 years and I've never heard of Dixie, GA. Where the heck is it?

On to your lighting question. Provided the new hood will accept the ballast there should be no problem with switching over to VHO's. The ballast is the only thing you will have to change out (and the bulbs of course). You might ask the vendor if they will sell you the setup without the NO flourescents and just add your VHO's yourself.

Sounds like you have a nice setup. Got any pics?

Rick

Ol Studly · 02-12-2001, 07:57 AM

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the reply. Dixie, GA is on US 84 between Thomasville and Valdosta (blink and you'll miss seeing it). A long way from Marietta. My setup isn't that great yet. My nitrates run too high to keep much besides fish but I'm working on it. Right now it's just an open brain, a clam, and 4 anenomes plus my fish. I don't have any way to post pics.

Studly

Rick O · 02-12-2001, 08:23 AM

I'm from south GA, I lived in Albany for 13 years, so I'm very familiar with Thomasville and Valdosta. There is someone else from Valdosta that posts here.

I noticed in your tank specs that there was no mention of any LR. Just wondering; Have you located the source of your high nitrates?

There are a lot of good people on this board so if you're having any problems then let us know.

Rick