How to Retrofit Fluorescent Aquarium Light Fixtures With VHO Lights

VHO lighting, or very high output lighting, is a type of fluorescent light. These bulbs produce up to three times the amount of light as regular fluorescent lights, but they require the use of special bulbs and ballasts that regulate the electric current through the tubes. It's possible to replace the inner parts of a standard aquarium lighting fixture with the parts from a VHO tube. This procedure allows you to keep the custom-fitting hood with the upgraded lighting. For this procedure to work, the size of the tubes on both lights must be the same length.

Things You'll Need

Existing standard fluorescent lighting fixture
Screwdriver
VHO lighting kit

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the existing lighting fixture and remove it from the fish tank. Place the fixture on a solid working surface with direct lighting.
- 2
  Turn the fixture upside down so the inner parts are exposed.
- 3
  Twist the bulb counterclockwise a quarter turn until it pulls free from the housing. Set the bulb aside.
- 4
  Remove the four screws that are in each corner of the inner light housing. These screws are holding the inner housing to the frame of the light fixture.
- 5
  Pull out the inner fixture. The ballast, bulb holder and power supply are all connected into a single piece that should be removed. The only thing left should be the frame of the old fixture.
- 6
  Turn the VHO light kit upside down to expose the inner parts. Remove the four screws that are retaining the light housing and pull out the inner housing, including the ballast and power supply.
- 7
  Place the VHO housing inside the original light fixture, laying the power cable in the small grove on the side before setting the housing into place.
- 8
  Insert four of the screws into the holes on the VHO housing, and tighten with a screwdriver.
- 9
  Place the retrofitted fixture on top of the fish tank and plug in the unit.