MHs on a 40G Breeder

[rjarnold]

So I'm more of a newb when it comes to MHs, but after some asking around I thought I would go with this set-up:

CoralVue Lumen Bright Large-Reflector

Lumatek 250W/120V Digital Ballast

250 Watt 20000K Metal Halide Bulb - German Radium, Mogul Base

The price for all three plus free shipping on Marine Depot is $323. Is there anything I'm missing, i.e., do all these components work with each other (I think they do)? Are there any other pieces I need to get this going, i.e., I noticed that the CoralVue reflector shows a light socket but doesn't explicitly say that it comes with, but I think it does.

I did go back and forth for a little while with Lumen Bright vs. Lumenarc, but after looking at someone's tank set-up with 2 Lumen Brights and 1 Lumenarc in the middle, it was clear that the two outer Lumen Brights looked better (same bulbs purchased at the same time).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-Rachel

[rjarnold]

Wow, I'm surprised at how far this got pushed down in such a short time. Anyone with advice? I'd really like to purchase this set-up as soon as possible! Thanks!

[dailydriven911]

I'm also questioning my future lighting setup for my 40b. Hope you find the info you need Rachel! Are you going to use supp lighting?

[rjarnold]

Originally posted by dailydriven911
I'm also questioning my future lighting setup for my 40b. Hope you find the info you need Rachel! Are you going to use supp lighting?

I would love to put T5s on the side, but not sure the tank is wide enough to incorporate both (those reflectors are huuuuge). 40B are the bomb =D Not sure I'm going to get any info here so I might just go ahead and purchase it and hope for the best!

[dailydriven911]

I loved my lumenarc above my solana but I really wish I had t-5 supplements for the dawn/dusk effect and better color. I decided I'm going that route this time. Do you have a canopy or do you have an open top?

[rjarnold]

I have an open top with no option to hang. I'm hoping Bricky can put something metal together for me so it'll fit over the top of the tank but still be very open to allow for air flow. I might be able to get T5s on the sides but I'm just not sure yet - the Lumen Brights hang 16" from the water so you'd think we could squeeze something in there somehow. I do know what you mean about missing the supplemental lighting - the MH pendant on my Elos Mini is without supplemental lighting and I really miss the blue.

I did just get done skimming this article and really like what I read:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-06/review/index.php

[gotbags-10]

i vote for two 150w. The problem you'll run into with just the one is that you will notice the sides will be darker than in the middle. If you raise the light high enough it will be better but when you do that you will loose alot of intensity. Most 40b owners have found this out as well and use two halides instead of the one. Two 150's on mine is perfect lighting.

[GPhiAce]

here is my 40g breeder with PAR readings if you are interested. 250w 14k AC on a PFO magnetic ballast- thinking of changing to an electronic ballast soon. The reflector is a lumenarc3 mini




Those aren't bad numbers, but e ballasts push that bulb better and more effeciently. Hope this helps. Oh, threads get pushed down quick-- high trafftic.

[rjarnold]

Those aren't bad numbers, but e ballasts push that bulb better and more effeciently. Hope this helps. Oh, threads get pushed down quick-- high trafftic.

Yes, TONS of traffic! Lovely tank btw! I think if I had the money I would do 2x150 but the 250 is the cheaper route. I'm also hoping to get a dimmable ballast since I would be upgrading from T5s - don't want to fry my corals and eggcrate is ugly :P