150 watt DE MH lamps compared

[saltyseaman]

Here's something to help tide you guys over untill Traveller unleashes his test results.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/feature1.htm

Have fun!!!

 

[mmoss]

150 watt for 24 inch deep tank

150 watt for 24 inch deep tank

This seems like a good thread for my question. Please help if you can.

How deep is the tank you are putting 150 watt lighting on? I am building a 24 inch deep on and debating between 150 and 250 HQI Geismann unit.

Thanks,
Max

 

[traveller7]

Re: 150 watt for 24 inch deep tank

Re: 150 watt for 24 inch deep tank

.....How deep is the tank you are putting 150 watt lighting on? I am building a 24 inch deep on and debating between 150 and 250 HQI Geismann unit.....

Max,

Not sure which of my systems is most representative for the species you want to keep but an interesting example after current mods:

52"L tank, 17" sand to surface, 2x150DE 6" off water surface.
- 10K's were great for clams, sps, lps, etc over the last year.
- 20K's look great but the clams just don't seem to be happy and the corals have slowed growth considerably, so I am adding a 6.5K or 10K between the 20K's tomorrow: 3x150.

I also run 150DEs over a 32" depth tank for 12 hours, but kick in 400's for 6 hours+ a day.

IMHO, go with the 250's so you can choose a single bulb per lighting area, in a color you like that still delivers necessary par for a large variety of critters. Even more the case if you like the bulbs as blue as I do

Good luck

 

[StephenA]

I've got the 150W Geismann on my tank, I'm switching from a 72 to a 120G and will add a 250W in the middle with a 20K bulb. Go with the Nova II Series, very clean looking, small.

 

[Fishkiller63]

any progress happening? Setting up a new 40G Stretch Hex and would love to see the data from these things.

 

[traveller7]

Sloggin' along.

A new ballast arrived.
Ordered a few replacement lamps, long story for later.

Found a measureable differences in the UV shields.

Testing space a bit reduced by my new clowns, but the adventure continues.

Busy time with work, leaves only about 1 day a week, which is not much.

 

[ChrisRD]

^^^

 

[banzai75x]

Tag

 

[traveller7]

Work schedule and a slight clownfish detour derailed progress for awhile, but I have been able to burn a few more bulbs to test during that time.

Hope to add a few of interest and post something this Sunday.

Cheers.

 

[Fishkiller63]

oh man you had me, i saw you replied to the thread and i was like yessssssssssssss results are in. Pleae get them up this sunday im setting up a new 40 gallon tank and this data will make my decsion for me

 

[traveller7]

Sorry to dash your hopes Fishkiller63

 

[smokinreefer]

first off, hats off to you traveller7!
i am patiently anticipating your test results.

now, i would like to pick the brains of all you 150W DE users...
and my apologies if i am detracting from this thread...

i am entertaining the idea of lighting a 30"wide tank with a 150WDE lamp. now i realize there is not going to be much intensity on the perimeter of a tank of that width, but will there be enough light to house mushrooms, ricordias, and zoos on the outer areas of the tank? what are your opinions on this?

or would all of you 150WDE users like to post pics of your tanks, so we can see the differences in tank size and animals kept with these lights?

i am pretty set on using 150WDEs... geismann is what i want!
i just dont want to regret not getting 250WDEs... quick growth rates are not of concern to me... but i do want to be sure that i can provide (more than) adequate lighting conditions with the 150s.

thank you very much for your time.

 

[GTR]

smokinreefer

I think you will be fine with the things you are thinking of keeping. Just keep in mind that it may look dimmer at the ends. This to of course depends on how deep the tank is and where you plan to keep what might need strong light.

I have a 150 DE on a standard 20 and feel I can keep most anything in the tank if placed correctly.

Steve U

 

[banzai75x]

No test results yet?

 

[traveller7]

No test results yet?

Down to working through 1 bulb per week due to other obligations Scheduled time off should allow completion early April.

To top it all off, the 70wter's are just sitting idle

 

[scot]

I bought an Iwaski MTD150AQUA-7S (10k) bulb and I'm running it on the Ice Cap Ballast for my frag tank. This combo blew me away, on my two different "cheap" light meters it measures as bright as 250w DE 10k AB bulbs on Ice Cap ballasts. Also measures brighter than the Coralvue 250w DE 10K bulbs (which are really blue in color, almost looks like 20k). The color of the 150w bulb is crisp white, makes the ABs look very yellow. All the corals that were under this bulb took on a richer, brighter color. I,m soo impressed I'm going to replace my 250s with the 150s.

I can't wait to see some real numbers from your test, I think we'll be surprised.

Scot

 

[traveller7]

I bought an Iwaski MTD150AQUA-7S (10k) bulb and I'm running it on the Ice Cap Ballast for my frag tank. This combo blew me away, on my two different "cheap" light meters it measures as bright as 250w DE 10k AB bulbs on Ice Cap ballasts. Also measures brighter than the Coralvue 250w DE 10K bulbs (which are really blue in color, almost looks like 20k). The color of the 150w bulb is crisp white, makes the ABs look very yellow. All the corals that were under this bulb took on a richer, brighter color. I,m soo impressed I'm going to replace my 250s with the 150s.....

My measurements and all the other test reports I have found do not align with your experience. The 70wt, 150wt, 250wt, and even 400wt I have put through this test set up to determine proper configuration fell in line with smaller tests.

But then I am only halfway through 23 bulbs, so there could be a magic combo left to be found ;>)

Enjoy your system, I have found a few I like as well.

Cheers.

PS: The MTD150AQUA-7S is sold in the states as the 50K bulb, not quite 50K is it?

PSS: I would not mind getting one of the iwasaki 10K bulbs, would you PM a US source of the 10K? Thanks.

 

[scot]

Your right, they market it as a 50k, I forgot, it looks like it's 10K.

The thing that's different about my findings is the bulbs are in fixtures above the tank. My light meters are only good for comparing lights side by side in place over a tank. I could never duplicate results like your set up.

I think there's a need for the measurments your taking, but I sure would like to see a standard set-up including a fixture established amongst the people testing. I like to see the effects of different ballasts, different fixtures would be cool to. It's only time, right. LOL.

 

[traveller7]

scot,


I too would like to see some full system testing but the proper test gear is beyond my wallet's reach ;>)

Good news is Sanjay has done some great reflector testing already which can be coupled with JB's results.

Hope to knock out a few more bulbs this weekend if my new clowns don't suck up all my free time

I hope to have one my co-workers track down a few of the bulbs we can't get stateside on their trip next week. We shall see.

Cheers.

 

[BallaBooyeaH]

Keen for the results.

I am currently about to purchase MH for my 3 X 2 X 2. I was thinking of getting 150W but i am now leaning to the 250W.
Can anyone give me pro's and con's on the two types ?? I was planning on IceCap for the ballasts and if 250W I wanted the CV 10k's.

Thanks - your comment help my decision making process....