Major Lighting Upgrade. Some Input Please.

64Ivy · 11/25/2006, 01:53 PM

After nearly a decade I am about to undergo a major lighting upgrade, basically going from (4) AB 10K 250W MHs plus (3) 20K 400W Radiums all hood-mounted in Spiderlight reflectors (plus 640W of VHO actinics) to (3) Sfiligoi Twin 400W XR4s pendants. The recommended bulbs are BLVs and I am thinking of going with one 10K and one 20K in each pendant (with no actinics). My goal is skewed more toward color than growth and the tank is a 10 year old 500g (96 X 36 X 36), SPS dominant.

Any thoughts on this? Recommendations? Critiques?

It's been difficult for me to do a PAR comparision because BLVs aren't listed in Sanjays site, although I've heard they're made by Ushio. I don't know if the characteristics are the same however. Also, my current lighting set up is run through magnetic ballasts while the new one would be through Sfiligis electronics.

Anyway, I've still got a little time to decide so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

the_anti_honda · 11/25/2006, 02:25 PM

If you don't want your old lighting I'm sure I could just stuff it in my garage somewhere.. You know if your just going to throw it out!

clownnrnd · 11/25/2006, 02:53 PM

My XR4 came w/ magnetic HQI ballasts. I wonder why they are switching to Electronic ballasts?

I heard BLV's are made by Ushio or just the opposite. I heard BLV 10k was slightly more white/blue. Don't know that for a fact though

Chad

deansreef · 11/25/2006, 04:17 PM

IVY...how long do you run the lights now??

64Ivy · 11/25/2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by deansreef
IVY...how long do you run the lights now??

Actinics: 14 hrs
MHs: 12 hours

11/25/2006, 01:53 PM	#1
64Ivy B'rer Reefer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greenwich, CT Posts: 3,194	Major Lighting Upgrade. Some Input Please. After nearly a decade I am about to undergo a major lighting upgrade, basically going from (4) AB 10K 250W MHs plus (3) 20K 400W Radiums all hood-mounted in Spiderlight reflectors (plus 640W of VHO actinics) to (3) Sfiligoi Twin 400W XR4s pendants. The recommended bulbs are BLVs and I am thinking of going with one 10K and one 20K in each pendant (with no actinics). My goal is skewed more toward color than growth and the tank is a 10 year old 500g (96 X 36 X 36), SPS dominant. Any thoughts on this? Recommendations? Critiques? It's been difficult for me to do a PAR comparision because BLVs aren't listed in Sanjays site, although I've heard they're made by Ushio. I don't know if the characteristics are the same however. Also, my current lighting set up is run through magnetic ballasts while the new one would be through Sfiligis electronics. Anyway, I've still got a little time to decide so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. __________________ Be Kind To The Elderly. Life Without Parole Means Nothing To Us. ToTM 3-03 Current Tank Info: Between tanks. Searching for a home

11/25/2006, 02:25 PM	#2
the_anti_honda Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Menifee Ca, Posts: 708	If you don't want your old lighting I'm sure I could just stuff it in my garage somewhere.. You know if your just going to throw it out! __________________ ())CRAYON)))> ())CRAYON)))> ())CRAYON)))> ())CRAYON)))> ())CRAYON)))> Current Tank Info: Taking a break from the hobby

11/25/2006, 04:17 PM	#4
deansreef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: north carolina Posts: 3,234	IVY...how long do you run the lights now?? __________________ the only dumb question, is the one not asked... Current Tank Info: 225 gallon peninsula

11/25/2006, 02:53 PM	#3
clownnrnd Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: western washington Posts: 741	My XR4 came w/ magnetic HQI ballasts. I wonder why they are switching to Electronic ballasts? I heard BLV's are made by Ushio or just the opposite. I heard BLV 10k was slightly more white/blue. Don't know that for a fact though Chad