SHO, Super High Output Fluorescent Lights &
Standard Compact (CFL) Aquarium/Hydroponics Light Bulbs;
These Self Ballasted Lights/Lamps fit in Any Standard Incandescent Fixture
120V & 240/277V SHO Applications include:
* Planted Freshwater Aquarium; in fact vastly superior to CFL & most T5 for this application
* PAR Light needs of Symbiotic Zooxanthellae in Reef or Refugiums
* Indoor Greenhouse/Nursery/Hydroponics Lighting Applications
Aquariums
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BTW, I also purchased a couple SHO 85 bulbs with reflectors you sell, and they are unbelievable on my 75 gallon. I have never seen my plants pearl as much as they do now, and I went from about 185 watts of HO t5s to 170 watt CFLs. I would consider these a serious upgrade!!!!
Mark T.
Please click on pictures below to enlarge
Since the SHO lamps/bulbs are larger than most incandescent or CFL lamps, they will not readily fit in a small plastic aquarium hood (a T2 or CFL will), however considering the output in both light and temperature (not as much temperature as a MH by any means), they are best either hung over an aquarium using the pendant we sell or a simple clip on Incandescent Fixture which can be purchased almost anywhere for low cost.
The picture to the above shows how the SHO bulb properly attaches to the polished reflector and standard incandescent fixture. Please note that the wires or other method of securing to the reflector are exaggerated for this example, we recommend twisting inside or clipping any wires, etc so as to look aesthetically pleasing.
The other popular mounting method is to place Incandescent fixtures inside a wooden canopy style hood, and then silicone mirrors, heavy duty foil, or mylar to the areas directly behind where the SHO will fit inside the fixtures so as to amplify the light from the SHO bulbs. This is a very simple albeit DIY method, although the pendent method is probably the simplest/quickest (and directs the most light into the aquarium by limiting Restrike.
See picture above.
The is photoshopped picture/diagram above displays approximate SHO lamp placement in a planted freshwater aquarium. This shows four lights, although for aquarium 4 feet or less in length, two lights is generally adequate (only one light for 2 feet or less in length)
Suggested Wattage
*As a generalization, 2 to 2.5 watts of Daylight SHO Lights are required for planted freshwater aquariums
*For Marine Reef, 2.5 to 2.8 watts of these SHO lights (possibly mixed with other light types)
Light (lamp) placement:
Pendant vs. Mirror
The advantage to a pendant reflector over a Mirror/Mylar/Foil (depending on reflection quality) is that it will radiant downward in a slightly more magnified fashion than a Mirror/Mylar/Foil, however the Mirror/Mylar/Foil canopy mount mehtod has one advantage over the pendant and that is more wide spread light distribution.
So this choice comes down more to tank arrangement of plants or corals.
Light Penetration
What is often a bigger issue, especially with deep tanks (over 24 inches) is to allow as much of the blue light (which is found as part of the light spectrum of these 6400 K lights) as possible through to the tank and often a glass top will block these light rays (over 60%) so using polycarbonate or no lid at all may do more for effectiveness than whether you use a mirror or pendent. Supplementing with Actinic blue/50,000K T5 or LED lights is also suggested for deeper tanks marine tanks, especially reef (generally not as important for planted freshwater)
Specimen Placement
One more point is depending on what you are using the SHO light for (or any high output light), I would move corals as high up in the water column as possible (in placement on liver rock or similar), or if this light is for FW plants I would move the high light requiring plants directly under the lights (or even elevate them with terracing, which can look quite attractive if done well and serve a dual purpose of aesthetics and better light energy absorption)
Summary:
Whatever method you use to install a SHO light for your aquarium (or Greenhouse/Hydroponics), please keep in mind that these are not an out of the box light (there are no installation kits) and require some DIY ability to best utilize their benefits. However these are not all that difficult to install if your application has the room and the rewards of economical yet high powered useful light energy is well worth it for persons with at least some DIY abilities!
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Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) along with SHO (Super High Output) CFL are simple yet effective lights that fit into simple incandescent fixtures, reflectors, or simple focused flexible light fixture such as the Eco Light.
These lights are self ballasted standard incandescent fixture screw in type and are similar to T-6 4-pin and square pin CFL lights, having about same lumen per watt output (generally around 60 lumens per watt).
The 6400K SHO is also popular for indoor nurseries/hydroponics applications due to simple application and high plant growth (this is actually the more popular application for the SHO light).
Available in 65, 85, & 105 Watt Lamps
13 Watt Spiral bulb length from base to the tip= 4" (10.2 cm). Diameter (width) is 1.65" (4 cm)
13 Watt Spiral Bulb has a Lumen Output of 800 (62 lumens per watt!) & a 10,000 lifespan
15 Watt U Bulb length from base to the tip= 5.25" (13.3 cm). Diameter (width) is 1" (2.5 cm)
15 Watt 'U' Bulb has a Lumen Output of 930 (62 lumens per watt!) & a 10,000 lifespan
Great for planted aquariums, with Kelvin range (PAR) best for plants (5500K- 7500K).
For an example of the nanometer output of this bulb, please see the color graph in the PAR section of this page: "Aquarium Lighting"
These Screw in CFL lights use only 13 or 15 Watts (depending upon bulb purchased) with a lumen output similar to a 60 or 75 watt standard bulb respectfully (60 for the 13 watt and 75 for the 15 watt CFL), with a 62 lumens per watt output.
An inexpensive alternative to incandescent aquarium lights for both fish and especially plants.
Average lamp life 8000 hours (although 4000 hour replacement is suggested for optimum light output)
Fit most medium E26/E27 Household screw in socket bases (it may not fit some ceramic sockets due to shorter female socket end)
Superior to standard power compact bulbs for aquariums; Wider Nanometer range and higher Lux (Both important to fish and plants)
Safe for Fresh or Saltwater.
Great idea for inexpensive yet plant capable aquarium hoods; simply purchase a basic aquarium hood with two incandescent sockets and instead of using standard incandescent aquarium bulbs, use these higher useful light energy bulbs instead!
Dual Socket can be used in for either CFL featured above or SHO lamps below (although not the recommended socket for SHO lights)
Can be easily installed in a standard metal or plastic aquarium hood or used as a replacement for an existing Dual/Twin Light Socket.
For use with SHO lamps, we recommend these fixtures be used in a larger canopy with a reflector/heat shield for better reflection of light (aluminum foil or Mylar can work for this). You may need to add spacers/washers for use with SHO lamps (as these are primarily designed for smaller incandescent or CFL lamps) due to the large SHO lamp size as well (some DIY abilities may be required for this application).
Please see the diagram near the bottom of the page of an example of use with SHO lamps or the picture above left for use with CFL
Please note that these sockets are NO longer available to us with the plug. Only the electrical pigtails (for legal liability reasons). However, the plug and additional wire (& lighting fixture nut if necessary) are easily obtained at a local hardware/electrical supply store (or online, see link above), or cut from the used/old electrical appliance. Sorry for any inconvinience, however we should note that we sell these basically at cost as a customer convenience as there is only one manufacturer willing to make these any more and even then ordering from them is difficult and more costly.
Single Incandescent Fixture (Single Light Socket), outdoor style- $4.99Jump to Shopping Cart
Can be used in for either CFL featured above or SHO lamps below (this is the recommended socket style for SHO lights, whether purchased here or at your local hardware store).
Especially useful with the polished reflector for pendant or similar style SHO lamp/light applications.
Heavy duty outdoor style, great for applications where moisture is present
Please note that these sockets are NO longer available to us with the plug. Only the electrical pigtails (for legal liability reasons). However, the plug and additional wire is easily obtained at a local hardware store, or cut from a used electrical appliance.
SHO; SUPER HIGH OUTPUT LIGHTS, Self Ballasted Lamps;
For Aquariums, Indoor Plants/Greenhouse/Hydroponics, High PAR Reef Lighting
The latest in aquarium lighting technology and already proven by the Green house and similar industries for growing plants with a simple yet effective light that requires no special fixture!
These can be installed in your hood using a standard incandescent fixture (with foil, Mylar or similar to better reflect the light); or for better yet illumination hung pendant style above your aquarium (as is common for reef aquariums).
This is not your Grandmas Power Compact bulb! Great for planted tanks or Monster Fish tanks.
Please click to enlarge (helmet shown for size comparison).
This is an awesome bulb for planted Freshwater aquariums (in fact there is none better currently available for larger aquariums)!
(See customer review in the left side bar)
A great bulb for DIY high intensity aquarium or greenhouse lighting projects and now medical studies have shown benefits to human and animal life
(many convalescent hospitals are now employing these too, which along with greenhouse businesses, is the primary reason we have not always been able to obtain SHO lights as the primary North American Distributor is often sold out to these industries)!
The SHO are best used in vented canopies or open installations with 12 inches clearance in the canopy/hood; in small aquarium hoods the T2 and LED lights are a better choice.
High output self-ballasted aquarium bulbs, no special (or expensive) ballast required
Fits standard E26 standard screw base (120 Watt)
6400 K Day Light Bulbs
Ideal for planted Aquariums (including Marine Refugiums), especially large tanks! In part due to the high PAR rating. PAR output is important for photosynthesis in plants or symbiotic algae in corals.
These bulbs are all you would need for a planted FW aquarium
We recommend complimenting these bulbs with either a Reef or Marine Blue LED Light, Metal Halide, T5, T2, or CFL Actinic blue in marine reef tanks for additional blue light for the best balance of PAR required by symbiotic zooanthellic algae.
8000 hours average life
85 watt SHO produces 5100 lumens, the equivalent of a standard 425 watt bulb while the 105 Watt produces 6300 lumens, the equivalent of a standard 525 watt bulb
65 Lumens per Watt
Can be used in freshwater or marine
The SHO bulb is VASTLY brighter than most other competing lights!
The picture to the left show one of many mounting options (for more mounting options, see the left side bar); this diagram shows a very simple mounting using the reflector which increases the efficiency of the SHO Lights. This is a method that employs the optional reflector without the possible hassles of a hanging mount (the hanging mount is popular among hydroponics businesses or hobbyists). Please Click on the picture to enlarge
The SHO is a good compliment to LED Lights or T2 Lights in marine aquariums, especially as it pertains to symbiotic algae growth necessary for corals. Research has shown that many stony corals, clams, and other sessile species that depend on photosynthesis of zooanthellic algae not only thrive but also propagate when maintained under Power Compact lighting alone, especially high output SHO lamps!
Can be mounted in an aquarium canopy hood (too large for the small plastic hoods) using a standard incandescent fixture.
Or this bulb can be mounted pendant style (similar to many Metal Halide applications) using a reflector.
Can also be used for Greenhouse, Indoor Hydroponics applications
For Mounting Suggestions, especially for marine of planted aquariums (which is where these lamps really shine over T5 and CFL), please see the SHO Mounting Section in the left Side Bar
We suggest adding a bead of silicone or silicone lubricant around the socket once the lamp is installed to prevent moisture damage, especially if the reflector/pendant is used over an open aquarium without a lid between lights and water
E40 (mogul screw base) for European or similar electrical systems
Bulb length x Width (after socket): 11" (25.5 cm) x 4" (10 cm) *Due to shipping costs, LIMIT TWO 277 V Lights per order *Polished Reflector for SHO Bulbs- $47.99
(not required for SHO use) Jump to Shopping Cart
Diameter 12-1/2" (32 cm)
HIGHLY reflective silver finish (no other colors available)
Alleviates most ReStrike problems common to SHO and all Compact Fluorescent lights.
The light fits snugly inside this reflector, if you are having some difficulty fitting the light firmly inside, we suggest applying some Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) to the neck of the reflector.
This reflector (this can be used with the single socket we sell, or one purchased elsewhere) can turn your SHO bulb into a relatively inexpensive pendant light which will provide better illumination and heat dissipation.
In fact with this high end polished reflector, you will have a SHO/Pendant combination that is superior to a similar output Metal Halide for Freshwater Plant Aquarium, Indoor Plant Hydroponics, and rivals a MH for Marine applications (more so when combined with a LED or similar), all for a much lower prices and a simpler longer lasting fixture since MH ballasts often have a short life for a high price.
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