MH Lighting - So many choices

macraider · 02/28/2006, 01:01 PM

I am getting back around to setting up my tank after moving to Boston and being out of the hobby for two years. My VHO lighting fixtures rusted out, so I'm looking to upgrade to a new MH lighting system.

The problem is that I'm a rookie when it comes to the hobby and there are so many choices out there. Without getting into specifics around different bulbs and kalvins (yet) I am looking at:

- 48" Aqualight Pro HQI system (2 x 250W, 2 x 96W Actinic, 3 Leds)
- Two of the ReefStar Low profile MH HQI Pendants (250W)

My tank is 48" x 18" x 30" (WxDxH) and will contain a few corals, fish and LR to start and eventually grow to a wide range of corals.

I welcome comments on lighting choices, pros and cons of the options above, and thoughts on the IceCap electronic ballast that I've been reading about (although I can't say I'm sure how they fit into the equation, unless I build my own system, which I am not inclined to do).

Any sites I should visit for reviews and research, as well as suggested vendors are also welcome.

Thanks in advance!

WaterKeeper · 02/28/2006, 01:51 PM

Hi Mac

To Reef Central

This Thread may help enlighten you on lighting.

six.line · 02/28/2006, 01:51 PM

Welcome to ReefCentral.

I prefer to DIY everything myself. I think there's a forum for brandnames and the like, so you might be able to find some info about a certain brand and others' experiences with them.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Building things yourself can be fun and rewarding, but I understand if you don't want to. IceCap ballasts just seem to be cream of the reef, so to speak.

That Aqualight system sounds decent enough, to me at least.

02/28/2006, 01:01 PM	#1
macraider Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 35	MH Lighting - So many choices I am getting back around to setting up my tank after moving to Boston and being out of the hobby for two years. My VHO lighting fixtures rusted out, so I'm looking to upgrade to a new MH lighting system. The problem is that I'm a rookie when it comes to the hobby and there are so many choices out there. Without getting into specifics around different bulbs and kalvins (yet) I am looking at: - 48" Aqualight Pro HQI system (2 x 250W, 2 x 96W Actinic, 3 Leds) - Two of the ReefStar Low profile MH HQI Pendants (250W) My tank is 48" x 18" x 30" (WxDxH) and will contain a few corals, fish and LR to start and eventually grow to a wide range of corals. I welcome comments on lighting choices, pros and cons of the options above, and thoughts on the IceCap electronic ballast that I've been reading about (although I can't say I'm sure how they fit into the equation, unless I build my own system, which I am not inclined to do). Any sites I should visit for reviews and research, as well as suggested vendors are also welcome. Thanks in advance!

02/28/2006, 01:51 PM	#2
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Hi Mac *To Reef Central* This Thread may help enlighten you on lighting. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

02/28/2006, 01:51 PM	#3
six.line Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Logan, UT Posts: 775	Welcome to ReefCentral. I prefer to DIY everything myself. I think there's a forum for brandnames and the like, so you might be able to find some info about a certain brand and others' experiences with them. Sorry I can't be of more help. Building things yourself can be fun and rewarding, but I understand if you don't want to. IceCap ballasts just seem to be cream of the reef, so to speak. That Aqualight system sounds decent enough, to me at least. __________________ This post approved by Mrs. Sixline. assign <= six.line(#FFFFFF && string("nerdy")) Current Tank Info: 30 gallon with 10 gallon sump