So I am getting ready to start building my new tank (build thread to follow). I think I have decided to supplement my LEDs with 48" VHO actinics.
Looking for opinions on best place to shop for the components to do a 2 bulb retro?
Build your own :P
1 coralview ballast former Ice cap ballast, 4 end caps, 2 UVL bulbs cause they have internal reflectors.
Place wires tab (A) in end caps slot (B). Screw end caps to canopy, install 2 bulbs reflector up pointing down >LOL< attach 3 prong plug to wiring harness supplied, plug into outlet flat blades to flat blades and circle blade in circle hole. Stand back and enjoy the cool blue purple glow. z<>z :
:
Wise arse - what I meant was - where the best (read “cheapest”) place to get the ballast and end-caps?
Ive used this one for years with no problems… looks like its currently out of stock tho:
http://www.hellolights.com/2lampelectronicvhoaroas220ballastkit.aspx
I saw that last night - ironically - they are still selling them on ebay while they’re out of stock on their own web site.
Is this another 75g that you talked about? upstairs in the house?
anyway, the lighting… have you considered going all leds? the “new led fixture” aka raffle prize light is very impressive, and has 420 in it. 2 of these lights would be the shiznit over a 75g, cheap and easy. and after seeing this light in action (color look, par, ease of mounting) its a home run imo, and those AI lights with their optics and minimal light spectrum aren’t even in the same class as these “cheepies”
just my :TWOCENTS i’m not trying to bust on ur lights LOLLOL
[quote=“saltcreep, post:6, topic:6031”]
Is this another 75g that you talked about? upstairs in the house?[/quote]
NOPE. GolfC
[quote=“billrob71, post:7, topic:6031”]
[quote=“saltcreep, post:6, topic:6031”]
Is this another 75g that you talked about? upstairs in the house?[/quote]
NOPE. GolfC[/quote]
just leave me hanging with a “nope”
#@$^
[quote=“saltcreep, post:8, topic:6031”]
[quote=“billrob71, post:7, topic:6031”]
[quote=“saltcreep, post:6, topic:6031”]
Is this another 75g that you talked about? upstairs in the house?[/quote]
NOPE. GolfC[/quote]
just leave me hanging with a “nope”
#@$^[/quote]
::rofl:: I can't steal his thunder lOl[quote=“billrob71, post:9, topic:6031”]
[quote=“saltcreep, post:8, topic:6031”]
[quote=“billrob71, post:7, topic:6031”]
[quote=“saltcreep, post:6, topic:6031”]
Is this another 75g that you talked about? upstairs in the house?[/quote]
NOPE. GolfC[/quote]
just leave me hanging with a “nope”
#@$^[/quote]
::rofl:: I can't steal his thunder lOl[/quote]
i don’t want anything to do with his “thunder” :~S
::
but now that the cobwebs are clearing out a bit i’m remembering hearing 90g maybe :
:
I thought about adding 2 of those LED fixtures, but I’m trying to minimize the cost of setting the tank up. I miss the color pop I used to get from my VHOs and thought it’d be nice to have that back.
so since you asked…
I’m setting up a 120g tank in the living room and breaking the 75g tank in the basement down. Bill helped me pick up a nice AGA 120g and stand last weekend. Dual corner overflows, glass in good shapr, silicone in great shape. Fits perfectly right where I wanted it.
Going to put a 40 breeder under it for a sump - not sure if I’m giong to build in a fuge though. I’m going to upgrade my return pump from my Mag 9.5 to something a little stronger. I have 2 returns, and I’m not sure if I want to ‘T’ off and run them both simultaneiously or if I want to pick up a SCWD that will alternate flow betweeen them.
It came with a canopy, but I think I am going to make it interesting and make a fancy light-weight suspendable canopy with flip up sides to make working in the tank easier.
It’ll be a work in progress for a couple weeks. I forgot how expensive it is to set up a new tank. Salt, sand, pumps, sumps, plumbing, etc.
YahoO
Sounds like you’ll be busy :
: and you’re right, i also forgot about all that little setup stuff… it adds up quick $$$
In that case though, i’ll shut-up… 2 vho’s and you’re all set… and i agree with the color pop, and also wonder if the leds have enough actinic… so you have my permission to carry on as planned ::
btw, i still have the sand you gave me in the garage… forget if it was a bucket or two, but if you can use it …
I would pass on the SCWD and really think about two sea swirls. I have a vortech and altough I do use it, now that I have the sea swirl, if I had to chose one I would go with the sea Swirl.
Not a bad idea at all frank - think I’ll hold off on the SCWD and just “T” the return line for now. Going to have to wait a while for 2 Sea Swirls - seem a little pricey.
Not 100% certain I want 4" boxes sitting on top of my tank with an electric cord plugged in though. They specify NOT SUBMERSIBLE for a reason. I know there screw down brackets - but I have the WORST luck in the world.
Ive used those Hellolights ARO balast kits for at least 9 years. one ballast finally gave out last week . i wrote them to find out when they will be back in stock. they said they got 100 new ones in a week ago, but they were all missing the green ground wire. so they sent em all back to the factory for a new correct batch. they dont have a new date yet. so i can wait a little. still running 2 VHOs over the old 75. until i can replace the bad one for the other two bulbs. they only run 2 x 48 inch bulbs per ballast.
i may have 8 vho end caps here for 20 bucks if interested