Back to MH's

[Hdhuntr01]

OK, so I have finally decided I am going back to Metal Halides on my 150G. As of right now I have three Lumenarc Reflectors (two small and one large) and I have three CoralVue Electronic Ballasts (two 250W and one dimable 400W). My plan is to put the two 250W smaller reflectors on the ends and the 400W large reflector in the middle. The tank is 5 foot long X 24" wide and 25" Tall. The bulbs will be between 10" and 12" above the water.

OK, the question is what Brand and spectrum of bulbs to use. I have a few bulbs laying around but I am looking for anyone with similar experience to chime in here. I was thinking of two 6500K or 10000K bulbs on the outsides and one 15000K or 20000K bulb in the middle. Note: I can dim the middle ballast and I can also fluctuate the times it is on though my controller. I may need to add Actinic lighting by adding two or four T-5's but I don't know if I have the room to do so in the canopy yet. I am still building the fixture.

Everyone chime in here and let me know your thoughts...

 

[sedor]

2 10k's on the sides is not a bad idea, but if you go that route I would go for a 20k in the middle to try and offset the yellow. Personally, I would go with all 20 or 14k and match the bulbs, but that's just me. I've had my eye on Radium 20k's for a while and i'm just waiting for my Phoenix 14k's to wear out so I can replace them.

 

[Canoe1]

It really depends on what your after...Are you looking for alot of growth? If yes then your idea of 2 x 10K and 1 x 20 K up the middle sounds good.

 

[Newreeflady]

It's hard to say what the combo will look like until it's up.

I've run a 400w se radium on the blueline e-ballast and thought it too blue and dark.

On my 250w de on pfo hqi ballast I really like the Geissemann (sp) coral bulb (nice and crisp, bright, blue-white... too expensive, though) and the Ushio 14k (very close to the Geissemann in color, and the price is right.) I didn't like the Hami 14k, though (very washed out look, seemed almost monotone to me in the bluer/darker end.)

Thing is, everyone is different. Unless you're question is simply which has the most par, it's really only a matter of opinion. Even if person X has good growth with one bulb, you may not (your husbandry will differ.)

 

[mark54321]

Hi, if I can ask what made you to go back to MH ? I am setting up 120Gal. and thinking to go T5.

 

[Hdhuntr01]

Two answers...

I am looking for maximum growth potential from the bulbs I choose but I do not want a yellow color to the tank. That is why I am considering the 10K's on the outside and 20K in the middle.

Going back to MH's because I simply cannot get any Acros to grow under T-5's. I am using a 48" Nova 8 bulb T-5 fixture with just the single reflector and it does not cut it. Of course I could change to ATI 60" 10x80W Powermodule but at around $1600 I think I will go back to MH's for now.

 

[mark54321]

ok,thank you

 

[grigsy]

I like halides better than T5 myself.

As for growth - 250 watt 6500K Iwasaki is very good for growth, but if you dont want yellow, dont use that bulb. It worked great for me, but only when I supplimented the bulb with actinic VHOs.

10K will give you good growth and not really yellow to the tank. They would be best IMO for your acros. Suppliment them with VHO if you can. They look very nice with VHOs.

 

[James77]

Hi, if I can ask what made you to go back to MH ? I am setting up 120Gal. and thinking to go T5.

Wasn't directed at me, but I'll throw in my opinion. I had switched from halides to T5s, and went back to halides last year. IMO, T5s cannot match the appearance of halides in bright appearance, shimmer, and shadows- it is just beautiful lighting. That and when I figured up how much I was saving per month in electric, it amounted to about $10/ month. I can switch a couple mor ehouse bulbs to CFL to make up for it.

T5s are great for energy efficient, but even they are being given a run for their money with LEDs. I would go T5s if I had astronomical, tiered electric rates, or severe problems with heat.

 

[jubjub]

well if you want good growth i'd get the 10k's (prob the xm ones) on the side if you can fit in antinics.....

otherwise im pretty happy with my phoenix 14k single end bulbs i been using them for over a year (on my second set) good growth/par and not yellowy white look....