ghostrida3
Member
so how much of a heat difference would i expect b/ the 250 and 400 watt magnetic ballasts and lamps?
finally about to purchas lights!
- Thread starter ghostrida3
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nick18tjetta
New member
I had 2 175's on my 125 and I had NO problem with SPS ( I only had one center brace) I also had 2 6 ft VHO's to help with color. I used the Iwasaki aqua2 bulbs, which produce a Par value simular to alot of 250's when they are on an electric ballast. Some people are obsessed with extreme amounts of light, like putting 3 400 watt bulbs over 125 gallons (good luck with heat), and they probably got better growth then I did, but I got decent growth on SPS, did not have heat issues, and probably had a lower electric bill. Everything had good color also, due to the VHO lighting.
ghostrida3
Member
so 3 250s w/ 2 10ks and a 20k will be best for my setup?
BreadmanMike
New member
Just go with 3x250 20k XM's. It will be plenty of light for a 125. If the yellow tank look doesn't bother you, then go with 10k XM's.
aninjaatemyshoe
New member
It's all about color preference really. The 20k XMs are fine if you like a rather blue look, just don't go with the 15k's as they are pretty lacking in terms of PAR. I like warmer colors, so if you are a blue fan go with more 20k. Again, I would recommend against 400W MH as it really offers only marginally more output considering the extra cost in electricity and heat.
As far as price goes on bulbs, that is pretty decent from what I've seen. I personally wouldn't go with a bulb from a brand I didn't know as the PAR, color, and overall quality can really vary.
As far as price goes on bulbs, that is pretty decent from what I've seen. I personally wouldn't go with a bulb from a brand I didn't know as the PAR, color, and overall quality can really vary.
ghostrida3
Member
either way u guys are the experts. this is my first halide purchase. and also ime new to sps, ive always kept softies uncer power compact. i just like that crisp bright look w/ a little blue to it but also want good growth for the corals. if 3 20ks will do it then ime down. but i dont want it to look cheesy like i have one of those 60s black lights over the aquarium.
aninjaatemyshoe
New member
From what I've seen, the 20K XMs look alot like the Pheonix 14K's. It's not a bad look really, it's just a bit too blue for my tastes. I'm sure that 20K only will be fine for growing SPS.
On a side note, considering that you are short on cash, why not buy just one or two of them at the moment? The Hellolight's offer isn't any better if you buy more than one (except perhaps on shipping). You can always build up your SPS on one side of the tank. If you decide you aren't happy with the color, growth, operation of the lights, at least you will not have bought all three. Then, when you have the money, go and buy the rest of your lighting. That is one of the benfits of MH over fluorescents - you don't have to think about lighting the whole tank at once.
On a side note, considering that you are short on cash, why not buy just one or two of them at the moment? The Hellolight's offer isn't any better if you buy more than one (except perhaps on shipping). You can always build up your SPS on one side of the tank. If you decide you aren't happy with the color, growth, operation of the lights, at least you will not have bought all three. Then, when you have the money, go and buy the rest of your lighting. That is one of the benfits of MH over fluorescents - you don't have to think about lighting the whole tank at once.
ghostrida3
Member
ive got enough to buy the lights i just wanted to make sure that i get it right the 1st time. so will 10kxms have any blue in them? will have enough par in all 20ks for sps growth?
ghostrida3
Member
so gsm guy are u running only 2 20ks on urs or do u have a 10 and a 20?
ghostrida3
Member
oh i see so u get good growth w/ the 20ks because of the shorter depth. would i get good growth w/ the 400 20ks?
ghostrida3
Member
how much would a good chiller be? and also i appreciate ur help?
ghostrida3
Member
how much would a good chiller be? and also i appreciate ur help
aninjaatemyshoe
New member
For a 125, upwards of $450 (that's a fairly conservative price that you probably would only get for a used unit). If you think lights are expensive, they have nothing on chillers.
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