Need help choosing new mh setup

schulzcm · 06/01/2007, 06:11 AM

I am interested in upgrading from my current t5 lights to mh. I have a 40 gallon breeder and would like to only use one light. I have some some lps but would like to start keeping sps primarily. Here are the different options I am trying to choose from

#1: SE 250w Lumenarc III or Lumenarc mini

#2: HQI 230w Reef Optix 3

#3: HQI 150w Reef Optix 3

So basically I can't decide between a DE or SE fixture. I also am not sure whether or not to go with 14k bulbs or to use 10k with t5 atinics. Any insight or opinions would be much appreciated. Thanks

bmrescort · 06/01/2007, 06:47 AM

You have a much better chance of breaking the bulb when you try to insert it into a double end fixture. Although you only have a 40 gallon tank I'm sure that you are not underneath a large canopy trying to do this so that may be an advantage. I have 3 single end 250mh on my 125 with 14k Hamilton bulbs. THe Lumenarc III is supposed to be an excellent fixture and everybody raves about it, I have never used one but good luck with that decision. I just think that it doea not get any easier than screwing in a bulb.

06/01/2007, 06:11 AM	#1
schulzcm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 10	Need help choosing new mh setup I am interested in upgrading from my current t5 lights to mh. I have a 40 gallon breeder and would like to only use one light. I have some some lps but would like to start keeping sps primarily. Here are the different options I am trying to choose from #1: SE 250w Lumenarc III or Lumenarc mini #2: HQI 230w Reef Optix 3 #3: HQI 150w Reef Optix 3 So basically I can't decide between a DE or SE fixture. I also am not sure whether or not to go with 14k bulbs or to use 10k with t5 atinics. Any insight or opinions would be much appreciated. Thanks

06/01/2007, 06:47 AM	#2
bmrescort Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: St. Charles Posts: 378	You have a much better chance of breaking the bulb when you try to insert it into a double end fixture. Although you only have a 40 gallon tank I'm sure that you are not underneath a large canopy trying to do this so that may be an advantage. I have 3 single end 250mh on my 125 with 14k Hamilton bulbs. THe Lumenarc III is supposed to be an excellent fixture and everybody raves about it, I have never used one but good luck with that decision. I just think that it doea not get any easier than screwing in a bulb. __________________ Jerry Current Tank Info: 125 aga dual built in overflows, cherry stand and canopy, 200LBS liverock,octopus 200nw skimmer( mods), 3x250 mh 14k hamiltons,barracuda pump, 100 gallon sump in basement w 80 lbs of live sand and cheato, GEO 618 Calcium reactor w/milwaukee ph meter.