PC or VHO for my 30 long

mikebeth16 · 01-27-2005, 12:37 PM

I want to keep some mushrooms, perhaps xenia, zoos, and the like, but I would also like to be able to keep some other tougher to keep stuff like frogspawn maybe. I am thinking that with about 190 watts I can keep most corals. I am debating about whether to get the 2X96w PC (with or without lunar lights) or a two tube VHO with two 95w. I can get the PC for about $210-$215 and would like to spend no more than that. Is there an advantage of one over the other or does it not really matter because the tank is not that large? What do you guys prefer for cost, health of corals, size of my tank (36 long x 12 deep x 18 tall), etc. Thanks.

TheReefer12 · 01-27-2005, 12:44 PM

I have a 30 gal with the same dimensions. I have PC lighting. I have a 2x96 and a 1x96. It really is a good amount of light for some corals.

Brian

wharyat · 01-27-2005, 01:32 PM

Welcome to TRT!

IMO, pc's are the way to go. If your into diy you could 2x96 for around 150.

Jeremiah · 01-27-2005, 01:42 PM

I used to use pc's. After switching to VHO I wouldn't use them again. The VHO watt for watt is brighter and more evenly lit. Cost is about the same if you have a canopy to put them in. If not then PC's might be easer. You can get an aqualight that just sits on the tank. Another thing I like about the VHO's is that when if you accidently brush you hand accross a bulb you don't leave skin behind like you do with PC's

ps, www.hellolights.com is least expensive by far for pc, vho, and MH lighting....

mikebeth16 · 01-27-2005, 03:14 PM

I have talked to a lot of people, and there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus. Is it just a matter of personal opinion? On Hello Lights it says that it depends on the size of the aquarium. Do you know how?

wharyat · 01-27-2005, 03:30 PM

It truly is just a personal opinion when it comes to vho v. pc. It all matters on the depth of your tank.

concept3 · 01-27-2005, 04:27 PM

hellolights:

ARO VHO ballast $35
2 pairs of VHO endcaps $19
2 VHO bulbs $38 (46.5" actinic 03 and 10,000K)
3 prong powercord, electrical tape and ingenuity

and you'll have 220 watts of light at your disposal!
I have an aqualight on my 20 gallon, but after I supplemented my 55 with this same setup, I wish I had done it in the beginning.

Jeremiah · 01-27-2005, 04:44 PM

I think that the looks are a personal opinion. But the PAR readings are not. Watt for watt vho gets more output. Also the heat issue is not a personal opinion. PC bulb and vho are going to put out the same overall heat. It's just on vho bulbs that heat is spread out more. (won't burn you if you touch the bulbs)

Another nice thing about VHO's is that if you don't happen to have spare bulbs and you burn one out, you can always throw in a NO bulb for a few days till you get your replacement. Might not be an issue if you have a good LFS near your place.

mikebeth16 · 01-27-2005, 04:45 PM

Is there somewhere I can learn about how to out this all together? Also, my tank is only 36" long, so I don't need shorter bulbs.

concept3 · 01-27-2005, 04:48 PM

if you're reffering to the VHO schematic, the diagrams are right on the ballast itself. They are all color coded as well. I'm not home right now, but I might be able to take a closeup shot of the ARO ballast with the diagram for you later on....way later on, I won't be home for another 4-5 hours.

actually, see if you can blow this up:
http://store1.yimg.com/I/lamps-now_1826_915338

wharyat · 01-27-2005, 05:15 PM

Sorry, but I still have to disagree, watt/watt, lumen, and in short, par, output on a pc is higher and is sustained for a longer period of time. Dramatic short-term red shift is an issue with a bulb t-8 and larger. Like I said it is a personal choice, when it comes to researching these things information is not always accurate, independant testing and usage is required for an unbiased opinion. I have had vho and I have pc, I am more pleased with pc's par ratings and efficiency.

mikebeth16 · 01-27-2005, 05:34 PM

Thanks for the help. I talked to a person at Hello Lights and he confirmed what you said, wharyat. I think I am leaning more towards the PC and am just trying to decide about whether or not to get the one with the lunar lights or not.

wharyat · 01-27-2005, 06:07 PM

Are you into diy with electronics, more specifically leds? If you are you could easily make an led moon light by getting a few blue leds from the local radio shack, or getting quite a few off ebay or the net. If not I just recommend getting them from hl.

TheReefer12 · 01-27-2005, 06:10 PM

I tried a system with the lunar lights and it does look nice. The only issue I had was that the bulb life was about 2 weeks. If you are looking for a LED moonlight you might want to buy that separately. This way you can position it as you desire.

Brian

yardboy · 01-27-2005, 09:00 PM

Gee, Jeremiah, don't mean to pick on you but I wish ya'll would look at our sponsors a little more. Marin depot can definitely compete with Hellolighting, on many things they're cheaper.

Would someone please show me the hard data on which is brighter per watt, PC or VHO.
I've got both PC and VHO systems, PC's on small systems and VHO's on the large. IMHO, VHO actinics beat PC's hands down. But then I see that they've come out with some new actinic pc's, maybe I'll give them a try.
Still, trying to wire a set of pc's for a 5'or longer tank is more of a headache than I'm willing to bear, thus the VHO's on my big tank.