72" VHO Question

[Felix T Cat]

I bought a used set up and it currently has 4 72" T12 VHO bulbs connected to 2 Icecap 430's (2 per). They are 80w bulbs and I am looking for replacements but all I keep finding is 160w VHO 72" bulbs. I am all for the increased wattage and looking at the specs of the 430 it can handle 324w so I should be good.

I'm guessing I should only change 2 at a time in order to prevent shocking the corals. Any other advice ? (other then upgrading to T5's and reflectors of course)

[mfinn]

When I used 72" VHO's on my soft coral tank I changed all the bulbs out at the same time and usually saw no problems.

[Felix T Cat]

I've got a mixed reef setup right now with softies, SPS and LPS. I just can't imagine doubling the power and not shocking everything but I would love the extra power.

[iLLwiLL]

Are you sure your old bulbs are 72" VHO's and labeled as 80 watts? normally 6' VHO's are 160 watts, and NO bulbs are 55 (I think). 80 watts sounds more like a 60" T5HO bulb.

~Will.

[mfinn]

If it makes you feel better about it. Get enough eggcrate to cover the top of the tank and enough window screen material to cover it atleast twice. Put the new bulbs in and remove one layer a week apart.

[Felix T Cat]

Ok so I'm not sure where I got the 80w from but after checking out the UVL website it looks like they are 160's now. I take the "idiot question" of the week !
Thanks for the sanity check everybody (esp IllWill).