Using NO bulbs in VHO set-up

dx7fd2 · 05-10-2005, 02:53 PM

I recently heard at my LFS that VHO bulbs are no longer going to be produced and that when the companies that have backstock of them run out we will be out of luck (not that I believe them). This stimulated me to go online and check on PC retro kits out of curiousity. In my search I came across this article on Ice Caps website.

http://www.icecapinc.com/rev1.htm

I actually went out and found some Phillips F40/DX/Alto bulbs at Home Depot (bulb name "Daylight Deluxe") for $7 for a two pack. After checking with the manufacturer of the ballast I am using (electronic) to make sure that it wouldn't hurt the ballast I put one in in place of a 50/50 URI. The bulbs are rated at 6500k and 2835 Lumens with a life of 20,000 hours. According to the research that Ice Cap has been doing (I have no reason to disbelieve them as they do not sell bulbs) even if the bulbs last half as long due to burning at 80 watts instead of 40 watts that they will still last as long if not longer than VHO bulbs.

Also interesting that MH bulbs are rated differently in that the life of the bulbs are measured before a breakin period whereas fluorescents are rated after running for 100 hours. I also did not know that MH bulbs are not at all happy with being turned off and on and fluorescents do not show any signs of detriment due to turning them off and on.

Interesting stuff, I will keep this thread posted on the experiment. Unfortunately I do not have the meters to check Lumens etc.

The Salt Creep · 05-10-2005, 06:49 PM

If you are running a Ice Cap ballast look into something called a T6 lamp. They will slide right into your VHO fixture and VHO t6 is on the way, very sweet lamps. Big Al's has NO T6 in stock now. The IC ballast will overdrive the 55 watt NO T6 to about 90 watts. The advantage of a T6 lamp would be the ability to run a parabolic reflector. Being new to this board I don't want to breach any rules by posting links to where you can get the reflectors but I have measured PAR on T5 lamps and can tell you they more than double PAR output over a flat gloss white backgound.

Birdlady · 05-10-2005, 09:56 PM

Oh, go ahead and post the link.

That way we can get a better idea of what we are talking about

Bruce · 05-10-2005, 10:02 PM

VHO's r being discontinued...damm...first my fish's food now this...whats next...WATER???!!! lol...

dx7fd2 · 05-11-2005, 06:24 AM

Great call on the T-6s...I saw those when I was looking around for some bulbs but was not sure what they were. It looks like they fit right into the VHO receptacles (but the german watertight ones will not work without some sort of new rubber seal on the inner cap that seals off the bulb, the german ones are for 1 1/4" bulbs). The price looks good. The reflector I am using is a polished aluminum cheapie from Hellolights. The bulbs at Al's are 40 watt on the 48" ones but that will still work for me!! They have 7k to 11k pretty sweet, I did not see the 55watt ones.

The reasoning behind the VHO discontinuance is that they are not ecologically sound in that the gas in them is extremely noxious. Post a link if you feel like it. We just try to avoid links to other forums and such...we like the inside scoop though!!

BTW...welcome to 3reef Salt Creep!!

Drew

The Salt Creep · 05-11-2005, 07:38 PM

I have some of the VHO T6's (I'm special

)and they are pretty bright, had a higher PAR reading than my overdriven 80 watt T5's. They have some interesting lamps out now. The Ultimate Reef has the UV output upped a bit so they produce light more like what a halide produces. This is the only place on line I've seen them http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/...2=;breadcrumb=

You can get a "computer designed" T5 reflector from www.aqualuxlighting.com which does almost as good as Ice Cap's T5 reflector for a lot less green. The only drawback is they are wider than Ice Cap and Sunlight supply's reflectors. You have to spread the bulb clip a little but they will work fine until a T6 reflector comes out. You might even be able to get a T6 clip somewhere.

If you can't get the rubber gasket to install the T6 in the endcap through the place where you buy the lamps you can get them through www.commodityaxis.com but you will have to e-mail them using the contact us link and ask for them. They have T8,10 and 12 to T6 adaptors. Just a rubber grommet that slips over the lamp.

reefguy · 06-03-2005, 12:41 AM

wow so t6 are more intense than both halides And t5's? What type of blast would they run on? a reg icecap 660?

dx7fd2 · 06-03-2005, 12:53 AM

Yeah reefguy...apparently they run on regular VHO ballasts...I'll be trying some out in my next round of bulb change out, but I will have to order the rubber gaskets for that size bulb to fit the german bulb end thingies (technical term). Hopefully I can save a little cash...BTW the NO bulb I put in in place of a 50/50 VHO is working very well so far. I'll be sticking a meter on it in a couple of months to see what is up with the output. If it is near to a VHO I will be in shock 'cause they are only $3.50 a pop. It looks a little more yellow than the 50/50 but the coral does not seem to notice the difference. Keep in mind I do not have any SPS in the tank or any clams but my coralline is taking off. That could be because the tank is approaching the tenth month mark, then again maybe not.

Drew

MINIATUS · 06-03-2005, 01:19 PM

i ran my original setup with 65k 40 watt lamps and Phillips actinics off of Icecap ballast.They lit the tank up just as much as VHOs but only lasted about 6 months. Still cheaper than buying VHOs. My only concern was the heat produced which was alot more than the VHOs.RayJay one of the members here still does and has kept SPS, Clams and anenomes with great success. Is that a fore sure on the VHOs being discontinued.I will contact URI and see what they say. Ill have to stock up on Actinics then.

MINIATUS