03 vho actinics

[benny z]

who is using the "new" 03 vho actinics?

looking for opinions and if anyone could describe the difference between these and the standard super actinics...

i am using 2 super actinics and bought another ballast to add 2 more vhos. teetering on trying the 03s, but may also throw in an aquasun to try to get more red "pop" and white lighting.

i use 4 250w ushio 20k de bulbs for my main lighting. they have a white/purple appearance...not so much blue. what combo of vhos would compliment these the best?

thanks,
ben

 

[benny z]

*bump

 

[mfinn]

Not sure what the "new" 03 VHO actinics are, but I have been using 03 VHO actinic bulbs for almost 20 years.

On my 240 soft coral tank I have a combination of VHO and mh.
3x250 watt 14K Hamilton, 3x160 watt VHO actinic and 1x 160 watt VHO 50/50 bulb.
On my tank I have a nice blue/white light that really makes the coral colors come out.
It's all a matter of personal preferance.

 

[benny z]

the traditional "super actinics" are the ones that have been around forever, and are probably the vho actinics you have been using for 20 years...

now there is a new "03" actinic. the super actinics peak at 454nm, while the new "03" actinics peak at 420nm.

 

[HAudioSolutions]

I have heard about these but I can't seem to find a real comparison either. I use two supers with my MH as well. I'd like to know myself.

 

[benny z]

i think i'm going to give one a try.

i'm thinking this combo from front of tank to back...

super actinic
03 actinic
aquasun
super actinic

plus the 4 halides... probably run the front two on ballast 1 to fire first, then the rear two on ballast 2, then halides, and reverse the order when lights out.