Halide Q & A - Page 10

firsttimereefer · 03/18/2010, 02:38 PM

just purchased a light with 1 MH and 2 PC, py problem is that the MH bulb is right over my center support on my tank, any suggestions.

shark007 · 03/22/2010, 07:40 AM

What kind of ballast would you get for a 250watt lumen bright pendant se. I am going with all sps and chalices. Is this a good pendant anyway? Tank size 40 breeder will turn into a 125 in a year. Then I will add another pendant.

biecacka · 03/28/2010, 02:27 PM

does the brand of bulb make that much of a difference?
also i have a 220 w 2 250wt MH on it and was thinking of adding some pc or vho bulbs to it. the MH are 14k and i might like to brighten the tank up a little bit more
corey

Tek_Diver · 03/28/2010, 08:38 PM

What is the depth on your 90?

Tek_Diver · 03/28/2010, 08:41 PM

I would look @ the Lumatek Ballast they have done a great job for me.

JoeMatrix · 04/12/2010, 04:01 PM

I need suggestions I purchased a 6'x4'x1' frag tank I have two 400w 20 k's suspended 18" over it but want supplemental lighting for it I'm thinking two 4' T-5's actinics 420's and two 4' T-5's 10 k's any suggestions? P.S. its going to be all SPS.

shannon97 · 04/13/2010, 07:28 PM

anyone no if 400watts would be enough lights for a 90 gallon reef tank. its 25 in deep iam useing metal hlide

shannon97 · 04/13/2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tek_Diver

What is the depth on your 90?

25inchs

biglouie · 04/14/2010, 10:38 PM

36" has one metal halide is that enogh for a 90gallon tall

socalchris · 04/20/2010, 03:16 PM

hey guys, i currently am running a 36" Tek T5 6 bulb over my tank. it's a 36 long but a bit taller.

anyways, the reflectors ere getting a bit worn and i was thinking instead of replacing them just switch over to MH. i like the aquamedic hqi 250w. would this be enough for my tank. i have some sps, lps, gbta, and a clam on the sand bed.

gobbly · 04/21/2010, 06:05 PM

I have a 250w MH hood/ballast, but the ballast isn't pushing 250w. It's stamped to run at a power factor greater than .98, but my kill-a-watt meter reads it at a power factor of .67, and it pulls around 170w. I ran it for one week and these values never fluctuated. I was told that under-powering the bulb was going to cause spectrum issues and shorten the lifespan, and I had another 250w MH I am using instead. I was wondering if it would be safe to run a 150w bulb in the 250w fixture with the 250w ballast that is only pushing 170w (around what I would expect a 150w to pull) at a PF of .67?

Also, I think this is an HQI (double ended bulb which looks like it just slides into the end's). The ballast has a cable like a computer power cord (three flat prongs), with the ballast connector being a recessed male. If I were looking for a replacement ballast for it, what 'style'/'form factor' would that be called (what should I be looking for when I shop for a replacement)? If needed I could take some pics of it...

DarkRyok · 04/22/2010, 11:44 AM

Alright guys. Im about to setup a standard 75 gallon tank. I was looking at a 6 bulb tek light t5 fixture. But then one of the guys at my lfs is trying to sell me a 2x150 watt sunpod fixture. I dont remember which one, but I know it had a bunch of led supplements. I love LPS, but Im starting to get into clams. But if I had correct lighting, I imagine Id get at least some SPS.

So would a 2x150 watt hqi be enough for a 21" tall tank?

rangerD275 · 04/24/2010, 12:07 PM

Anyone use the 14k 250W SE icecap bulbs? They seem like a good bulb for the price.

Tony Romano · 04/25/2010, 10:21 AM

No - but i bet anything from Icecap is quality. How much are they?

rangerD275 · 04/25/2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Romano

No - but i bet anything from Icecap is quality. How much are they?

I can get 2 for 140 shipped.

GregsReef28 · 04/27/2010, 05:56 PM

With a focus on budget, what would be the best pendant to hang over a 24x24x18 marineland cube? Mostly LPS with a few clams and choice SPS. Thanks in advance for any responses

spankysreef · 05/22/2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lth03

I prefer MH over T-5,so far I see MH is the closest thing to natural sunlight that coral on the wild are growing under.

I prefer a mixture of both! 20k mh's with Ati blue+ T5's . Its an INSANE color combo! But i favor the bluer spectrum.

reefWW96 · 05/23/2010, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregsReef28

With a focus on budget, what would be the best pendant to hang over a 24x24x18 marineland cube? Mostly LPS with a few clams and choice SPS. Thanks in advance for any responses

gregsreef,
not sure how many gallons that is but a 250 watt 14k would be close to perfect

Tony Romano · 05/23/2010, 11:34 AM

Look at Icecap at Marine Depot. 150W would work as well, less heat. (less PAR as well). What room is this going in? I as for heat considerations.

Tony Romano · 05/23/2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankysreef

I prefer a mixture of both! 20k mh's with Ati blue+ T5's . Its an INSANE color combo! But i favor the bluer spectrum.

20k Rocks!

I am going back to all 420n tubes, may go 20k on MH as well.

This go around I has a 10k, 12k and 20k. 10k is very yellow and has 40% better PAR. (I may use 10Ks for growth) 20 or 12 for long term display.

Ralph ATL · 05/23/2010, 05:39 PM

anyone have a link or two on recent articles on how much par Stony corals need to live/grow? Also, I read somewhere that a par meter will not read a 20K bulb efficiently, so I'll need to add a certain %.

I have 2, 400 watt EVC 20k bulbs with 2 galaxy change a watt ballasts.

85 gallon 21 inches deep.

nlandgraf · 05/23/2010, 07:41 PM

What type of t5 bulbs do you use to supplement the halide light? I like the bluer look.

Tony Romano · 05/23/2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterybox

anyone have a link or two on recent articles on how much par Stony corals need to live/grow? Also, I read somewhere that a par meter will not read a 20K bulb efficiently, so I'll need to add a certain %.

I have 2, 400 watt EVC 20k bulbs with 2 galaxy change a watt ballasts.

85 gallon 21 inches deep.

IMO - You have plenty of light! (maybe too much)

"What type of t5 bulbs do you use to supplement the halide light? I like the bluer look."

460nm Super Actinic or one of the mix bulbs (Actinic I think they are called) . Personally I am going away from mix to pure 03, I discovered it is easier to see sps health under blues.

Ralph ATL · 05/24/2010, 09:41 AM

No T-5 bulbs.

Just a pair of Hamilton Reefstar Pendants.

Par was mostly at 300 or so, low 250 to a high of 350 where acro's are under water.

dcombs44 · 05/25/2010, 09:35 AM

I'm getting ready to set up a 10 gallon zoanthid tank.

I have some lighting options from my old tanks, so here is what I'm planning to use.

I have a PFO dual 175 watt ballast that was given to me. I believe they are magnetic ballasts, but I'm not sure without ripping it apart. I'll see if I can get info on the ballast label.

I was able to pick up a PFO rectangular pendant on clearance and a hanging kit for it. What bulb would give the best PAR values on a small tank like this? I've always used Hamilton 14,000K bulbs on my other tanks (both 250 watt and 175 watt) I've got some of both that I can use now, but they are older and need replaced.

I only plan to use one bulb over the tank obviously. I know there's a thread with PAR values out there somewhere, but I couldn't find it.

Thanks.

03/18/2010, 02:38 PM	#226
firsttimereefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 122	i need help just purchased a light with 1 MH and 2 PC, py problem is that the MH bulb is right over my center support on my tank, any suggestions.

04/14/2010, 10:38 PM	#234
biglouie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 31	Marineland Pro Series HQI/T5 fixture 36" has one metal halide is that enogh for a 90gallon tall

04/21/2010, 06:05 PM	#236
gobbly Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 11	MH bulb/ballast combo questions I have a 250w MH hood/ballast, but the ballast isn't pushing 250w. It's stamped to run at a power factor greater than .98, but my kill-a-watt meter reads it at a power factor of .67, and it pulls around 170w. I ran it for one week and these values never fluctuated. I was told that under-powering the bulb was going to cause spectrum issues and shorten the lifespan, and I had another 250w MH I am using instead. I was wondering if it would be safe to run a 150w bulb in the 250w fixture with the 250w ballast that is only pushing 170w (around what I would expect a 150w to pull) at a PF of .67? Also, I think this is an HQI (double ended bulb which looks like it just slides into the end's). The ballast has a cable like a computer power cord (three flat prongs), with the ballast connector being a recessed male. If I were looking for a replacement ballast for it, what 'style'/'form factor' would that be called (what should I be looking for when I shop for a replacement)? If needed I could take some pics of it...

04/25/2010, 10:21 AM	#239
Tony Romano Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sugar Land Texas Posts: 874	No - but i bet anything from Icecap is quality. How much are they? __________________ Tony Romano Why don't I have any money? Current Tank Info: 215 & 90 mixed tanks

05/23/2010, 11:34 AM	#244
Tony Romano Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sugar Land Texas Posts: 874	Look at Icecap at Marine Depot. 150W would work as well, less heat. (less PAR as well). What room is this going in? I as for heat considerations. __________________ Tony Romano Why don't I have any money? Current Tank Info: 215 & 90 mixed tanks

03/22/2010, 07:40 AM	#227
shark007 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 321	What kind of ballast would you get for a 250watt lumen bright pendant se. I am going with all sps and chalices. Is this a good pendant anyway? Tank size 40 breeder will turn into a 125 in a year. Then I will add another pendant.

03/28/2010, 02:27 PM	#228
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	does the brand of bulb make that much of a difference? also i have a 220 w 2 250wt MH on it and was thinking of adding some pc or vho bulbs to it. the MH are 14k and i might like to brighten the tank up a little bit more corey

03/28/2010, 08:38 PM	#229
Tek_Diver Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Grapevine, Texas Posts: 50	What is the depth on your 90?

03/28/2010, 08:41 PM	#230
Tek_Diver Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Grapevine, Texas Posts: 50	I would look @ the Lumatek Ballast they have done a great job for me.

04/12/2010, 04:01 PM	#231
JoeMatrix Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3	I need suggestions I purchased a 6'x4'x1' frag tank I have two 400w 20 k's suspended 18" over it but want supplemental lighting for it I'm thinking two 4' T-5's actinics 420's and two 4' T-5's 10 k's any suggestions? P.S. its going to be all SPS.

04/13/2010, 07:28 PM	#232
shannon97 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 44	anyone no if 400watts would be enough lights for a 90 gallon reef tank. its 25 in deep iam useing metal hlide

04/20/2010, 03:16 PM	#235
socalchris Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 761	hey guys, i currently am running a 36" Tek T5 6 bulb over my tank. it's a 36 long but a bit taller. anyways, the reflectors ere getting a bit worn and i was thinking instead of replacing them just switch over to MH. i like the aquamedic hqi 250w. would this be enough for my tank. i have some sps, lps, gbta, and a clam on the sand bed.

04/22/2010, 11:44 AM	#237
DarkRyok Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 12	Alright guys. Im about to setup a standard 75 gallon tank. I was looking at a 6 bulb tek light t5 fixture. But then one of the guys at my lfs is trying to sell me a 2x150 watt sunpod fixture. I dont remember which one, but I know it had a bunch of led supplements. I love LPS, but Im starting to get into clams. But if I had correct lighting, I imagine Id get at least some SPS. So would a 2x150 watt hqi be enough for a 21" tall tank?

04/24/2010, 12:07 PM	#238
rangerD275 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 167	Anyone use the 14k 250W SE icecap bulbs? They seem like a good bulb for the price.

04/27/2010, 05:56 PM	#241
GregsReef28 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 15	With a focus on budget, what would be the best pendant to hang over a 24x24x18 marineland cube? Mostly LPS with a few clams and choice SPS. Thanks in advance for any responses

05/23/2010, 05:39 PM	#246
Ralph ATL Formerly mysterybox Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Flowery Branch, GA (North ATL) Posts: 1,842	anyone have a link or two on recent articles on how much par Stony corals need to live/grow? Also, I read somewhere that a par meter will not read a 20K bulb efficiently, so I'll need to add a certain %. I have 2, 400 watt EVC 20k bulbs with 2 galaxy change a watt ballasts. 85 gallon 21 inches deep. __________________ Ralph Scheriff

05/23/2010, 07:41 PM	#247
nlandgraf Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 65	What type of t5 bulbs do you use to supplement the halide light? I like the bluer look.

05/24/2010, 09:41 AM	#249
Ralph ATL Formerly mysterybox Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Flowery Branch, GA (North ATL) Posts: 1,842	No T-5 bulbs. Just a pair of Hamilton Reefstar Pendants. Par was mostly at 300 or so, low 250 to a high of 350 where acro's are under water. __________________ Ralph Scheriff

05/25/2010, 09:35 AM	#250
dcombs44 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 2,913	I'm getting ready to set up a 10 gallon zoanthid tank. I have some lighting options from my old tanks, so here is what I'm planning to use. I have a PFO dual 175 watt ballast that was given to me. I believe they are magnetic ballasts, but I'm not sure without ripping it apart. I'll see if I can get info on the ballast label. I was able to pick up a PFO rectangular pendant on clearance and a hanging kit for it. What bulb would give the best PAR values on a small tank like this? I've always used Hamilton 14,000K bulbs on my other tanks (both 250 watt and 175 watt) I've got some of both that I can use now, but they are older and need replaced. I only plan to use one bulb over the tank obviously. I know there's a thread with PAR values out there somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Thanks. __________________ Current Setup: 10 Gallon Skimmerless Zoanthid Tank Lighting: Single 175 Watt Metal Halide (14,000 K Hamilton Lamp) Filtration: 10 gallon sump/refugium and Phosban Reactor Return: Mag Drive 700 Controller: ReefKeeper Lite (Basic Version) Circulation: TBD Age of System: Build is in Progress