Very High Output Fluorescents

Very high output fluorescents (VHO) are a good choice for intense lighting for your reef aquarium. They have been the mainstay for reef tanks for many years. A 48" normal output (NO) bulb puts out 40 watts. The same size VHO bulb puts out 110 watts. It can do this because of the special electronic ballast that VHO fluorescents require.

Bulbs are available from 24" to 72" long, with watts ranging from 75 to 160 watts. Bulbs should be replaced every 4 to 6 months with a magnetic ballast, and every 12 to 24 months with an electronic ballast.

They are available in all the standard spectrums needed for your reef. VHO bulbs can easily last up to a year before needing replacement. This is a long time compared with most other aquarium lighting system bulbs.

Very high output fluorescents systems tend to fall into the medium price range. The price will vary depending on whether the system uses a (cheaper) magnetic or the more efficient electronic ballast.