Have mh do I need vho or any other bulbs

I have metal Halides. I will have three total (eventually) 175w each. Would I really need to add Vho or any other type bulbs? :-/

 

You don't have to but it is better for you for a couple of reasons. 1 you are not going to want to have you halides on all day only like 5 hrs. 2 you can use other bulbs to adjust spectrums. 3 people use other bulbs to acclimate corals from Night to day and vice versa. You will also use them when changing bulbs and adding new livestock. If your livestock isn't used to the MH lighting you can bleach them.

 

Right now i just have the reg flourescent hood light that came with the tank and two mh that I am slowly getting them used to. would that be enough or do i need to get pc or vho lights?

 

chetrod as much as i like what you wrote in your sig could you add your tank setup in there so people know a little more. that way your questions will be answered depending on your setup and not just by general rules. That being said i say ditto for what somethingfishy said.

Marc.

 

I have a 150w halide that is pretty blue, like 13k.. I don't run other bulbs and I run it about 11 hours a day. Works for me.

 

So what I am getting from this thread, it's a matter of preference. If I want to have the dusk to dawn effect I need more lights If not One more 175w mh would work since the tank is six foot long 20 inches deep. I want to eventually do clams and other corals.

 

They is some general rules that most people follow but there are exceptions... specially in this hobby. Right now i have NO on my 55 and everything is doing fine... ok i dont have any SPS or clams but my softies are ok. Its just a matter of experimenting and finding what works for you and your livestock. So see how it goes and if you think you need more then add more.

Marc.

 

I also like the actinics because lots of the critters fluoresce under them! ;D

 

I might just get one more mh for the center and get two 60 Blue actinic vho bulbs to go on either side of the mh's that may work. Tha should be cool, then I can start the day with the vho's then all lights on then end with the vho's.

 

Good plan chetrod [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

Marc