Hamilton 400w MH-bulb type

Breadman03 · 03/24/2016, 11:11 AM

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a 400 watt MH to put over my 150DD (36x36x27) tank. I have Radions over it now, but want to put a tried and true light over it as the tank has never really thrived. My husbandry could use improvement, which I've been working on. I'll likely continue to use the Radions for supplemental lighting.

Anyhow, I'm debating between the Bali Sun SE and the Cayman Sun DE pendants. I am planning to get it in the 400 watt version, though I'm not stuck on it. I just figure I'll need the light to penetrate that deep over that footprint.

My biggest concern is bulb availability and ease of maintenance. Is there any real difference between the two, other than the Radium bulb being SE only? Also, I'd like to keep it quiet, and I think the electronic ballasts are quieter than magnetic. Is that true?

Thanks for muddying the water,
Longtime Radion User with less than ideal water parameters

Hamilton Tech · 03/24/2016, 05:35 PM

Breadman,

Both of those reflectors will cover that size footprint and easily penetrate 27" deep. No problem.

If you do go with the DE, I do like the new Hamilton 20K DE HQI lamp a lot. Higher PAR and deeper blue color.

Don't be concerned about bulb availability. They are readily available and will be for years to come. We have seen a good increase in halide sales in the past 2 years from people switching from LEDs.

There is not much maintenance on either reflector you referred to. Both are pretty much plug and play.

The Electronic ballast runs fully silent. The magnetic ballast runs almost fully silent. There is a very small amount of sound that comes off the magnetic ballast. I cannot hear it after about 3 feet away.

Hope that helps!

Breadman03 · 03/24/2016, 11:43 PM

The 3 foot Cebu Sun is catching my attention, largely because it can mount directly to the tank.

Breadman03 · 03/28/2016, 10:30 PM

Just placed an order for a 400 watt Cayman Sun that I'd like to mount using my Radion mount, right between a pair of Radions.

Zacktosterone · 03/29/2016, 04:57 PM

Wow thats a lot of light

kevin_e · 03/29/2016, 06:01 PM

Definately overkill

grigsy · 03/29/2016, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breadman03

Just placed an order for a 400 watt Cayman Sun that I'd like to mount using my Radion mount, right between a pair of Radions.

Nice. I have used Cayman Sun 250 watt systems before (3 of them).

Its a great reflector. High output.

Breadman03 · 03/30/2016, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zacktosterone

Wow thats a lot of light

I figure the MH may replace the Radions. I am also going to slowly make the change by having the MH come on for about 30 minutes/day and gradually increase it as I back off the Radions.

Additionally, I based my 400 watt choice on a few things:

Several recommendations that 250 watts is good for around 24" tall tanks.
My tank is 36x36x27.
The fixture is dimmable with 200, 300, 400, and 440 watt settings.

03/24/2016, 11:11 AM	#1
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	Hamilton 400w MH-bulb type I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a 400 watt MH to put over my 150DD (36x36x27) tank. I have Radions over it now, but want to put a tried and true light over it as the tank has never really thrived. My husbandry could use improvement, which I've been working on. I'll likely continue to use the Radions for supplemental lighting. Anyhow, I'm debating between the Bali Sun SE and the Cayman Sun DE pendants. I am planning to get it in the 400 watt version, though I'm not stuck on it. I just figure I'll need the light to penetrate that deep over that footprint. My biggest concern is bulb availability and ease of maintenance. Is there any real difference between the two, other than the Radium bulb being SE only? Also, I'd like to keep it quiet, and I think the electronic ballasts are quieter than magnetic. Is that true? Thanks for muddying the water, Longtime Radion User with less than ideal water parameters

03/24/2016, 05:35 PM	#2
Hamilton Tech RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Los Angeles, California - Showroom open to the Public - 14900 S. Figueroa Street, Gardena, CA 90248 Posts: 56	Breadman, Both of those reflectors will cover that size footprint and easily penetrate 27" deep. No problem. If you do go with the DE, I do like the new Hamilton 20K DE HQI lamp a lot. Higher PAR and deeper blue color. Don't be concerned about bulb availability. They are readily available and will be for years to come. We have seen a good increase in halide sales in the past 2 years from people switching from LEDs. There is not much maintenance on either reflector you referred to. Both are pretty much plug and play. The Electronic ballast runs fully silent. The magnetic ballast runs almost fully silent. There is a very small amount of sound that comes off the magnetic ballast. I cannot hear it after about 3 feet away. Hope that helps! __________________ 31 Years of Quality Lighting in 2017 www.hamiltontechnology.com Metal Halides, LEDs, T5 High Output, PC & VHO. Systems, Reflectors, Ballasts - Magnetic & Electronic

03/24/2016, 11:43 PM	#3
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	The 3 foot Cebu Sun is catching my attention, largely because it can mount directly to the tank.

03/28/2016, 10:30 PM	#4
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	Just placed an order for a 400 watt Cayman Sun that I'd like to mount using my Radion mount, right between a pair of Radions.

03/29/2016, 04:57 PM	#5
Zacktosterone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sault Ste Marie Ont Posts: 2,475	Wow thats a lot of light

03/29/2016, 06:01 PM	#6
kevin_e Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,083	Definately overkill