Advice on VHO bulbs

[ldempke]

I decided to go with with VHO's and the ice-cap 430 ballast and 3 pairs of endcaps I already have for my 20g canopy. I am assuming this set up with 24" URI's will actually be 24" or less and fit OK. Does anyone know?

so I am about to order the URI bulbs and am trying to decide which ones.
the 24" VHOs are 75 watts each.
I can put 3, but is 225watts overkill for a 20g?
should I just go with 2 bulbs?

what do you guys think the best combo of bulbs would be for a 20g tank of mostly zoanthids, and a few Ricordia.
1) super actinic with peak at 420nm
2) actinic white which is a 50/50. 12k
3) auqasun which is all white.10k

thanks

 

[Herefishyfishy]

As best I know, 24" is to the end of the caps
More is better than less, especially with VHO.
2 aquasun and one actinic white up front to reflect off of the life.

 

[wrightme43]

I gotta say hook up on at least one full atinic. The vho atinic is super hella cool looking. Really glows.

 

[ldempke]

hhmm. so aquasuns and actinic white? That sounds like that would be best for growth...but would that be 'yellow'?
I'm thinking of ordering 2 of each bulb and playing mix and match....

Mike,
so I have no need for the remaining URI super actinics 46.5" like I sold you before. I won't be selling them with the system since I am parting it out. I have one brand new, and 3 used for about 3 weeks. want to make a deal? trade or cash?
Lorrie

 

[Scooterman]

Two aquasuns 10K & one actinic & you will get awesome color & growth. It should fit, tight but it should fit.

 

[ldempke]

Ok thanks guys. I haven't put it together yet...I think I'll buy a $4 24" bulb from the hardware store and make sure it'll fit with these endcaps before I order the URI's...
but thanks for the advice.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Idempke, sorry I missed your earlier post. Sold my 90 gallon with the VHOs and threw in the 6 extra bulbs (boy did that guy get an awesome deal) so don't need any more 4 footers. Now if you had a deal on some 6 footers...
The s46.5" bulbs are handy, easier to change than 48". Keep your actinics and use them up in lieu of replacing them with longer ones. If only using 1/4 ratio of actinics, the AW is as good as the SA. Save some cash...