VHOs in a Juwel

[biju708]

Hi Friends,
I have a question for you maybe you can help. I have a Juwel Trigon 350 tank http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/img/ambiente/K_Am_15300_73300.jpg which comes with built in normal florescent tubes 2 of 30W and 2 of 15 W unfortunately this is not enough and I would like to upgrade to VHOs the question is if it's possible to do so or would I need to change the connections as well as the tubes.

 

[mps9506]

You would need to change the ballast, probably need to changes the bulb sockets as well.
I'm not sure which common brands you have available for VHO ballasts, but I would reccomend Icecap VHO ballast, and the proper 3 peice VHO waterproof encaps.

 

[Woodstock]

You will need to change out everything to upgrade to VHO's... the connections, tubes and ballasts. I doubt the new stuff will work in your current hood.... If you are a good DIY'er, you could build your own canopy and buy the VHO stuff as a retro kit and install it yourself! That aquarium has unusual demimensions so I don't know if you could buy a plug and play light fixture to replace your current one....

 

[Woodstock]

Also, the VHO bulbs will run hotter than your NO bulbs so make sure you have fans in the hood and keep a watch on your water temp too!

 

[biju708]

Thanks guys, then my best option would be to remove the canopy and put metal halide lamps on top of it. I think it's more viable this way right ?

 

[mps9506]

IMO, the best option is to purchase a hanging MH setup for that type of tank.
Something like a geismann or aquamedic unit that you can hang from the ceiling or mount on the aquarium.