Halide Q & A

[Franklin B.]

I'm running two 250w hamiltom HQI ballasts with Phoenix 14k double ended bulbs. The bulbs are 3 months old. My light output on both fixtures seem about half of what it used to be. I'm starting to get worried my ballasts are getting weak. I bought them used. They make a lot of noise when starting. Does anyone have experience with this? If they are getting weak I'm looking at the Cube for replacing them.

 

[sirreal63]

I would replace them and the Cube is an excellent choice.

 

[Franklin B.]

Ordered 2 Cubes. What adaptor will i need to make them work?

 

[sirreal63]

They have some on AquaMedics site, but I am not sure which one you will need, I spliced mine.

 

[Franklin B.]

Got the Cubes today. Removed the C20 plugs and wired them direct. Light output is much better. Really like these ballasts. The only thing I didnt like is the C20 plugs. Nobody locally carries them.

 

[sirreal63]

Good news, it is one of the best made and designed ballasts IMO.

 

[Cajunmillerboy]

Metal halide are led for biocube

Metal halide are led for biocube

I have a 29 gallon ocianic 29 hqi with 150 watt 14 k bulbs.
I am changing to the exotic panorama pro 18" that put out 54 watts.
Wil that be good i have little bit sps some lps and a good bit of softys.

 

[SPotter]

So I am thinking about getting rid of my LED/t5 fixture and going with MH/t5's. I have never owned MH before so I am wondering just how much heat they will create. My fish room gets pretty warm during the summer months as it is and I am concerned that mh's will put it over the top. My canopy is enclosed on three sides and the back opens to the fish room. During the summer my tank temps were hitting 81 while running leds and t5's. I am considering running 2 or 3 x 250w MH with 2 or 4 t5's. How much heat do you think this will create???? I realize that there is no exact answer but if anyone could share their experiences with me, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[grcforce327]

So I am thinking about getting rid of my LED/t5 fixture and going with MH/t5's. I have never owned MH before so I am wondering just how much heat they will create. My fish room gets pretty warm during the summer months as it is and I am concerned that mh's will put it over the top. My canopy is enclosed on three sides and the back opens to the fish room. During the summer my tank temps were hitting 81 while running leds and t5's. I am considering running 2 or 3 x 250w MH with 2 or 4 t5's. How much heat do you think this will create???? I realize that there is no exact answer but if anyone could share their experiences with me, I would greatly appreciate it.

You may be battling the heat. I have a 120g(two 250's) in my bedroom,and at 60 degrees outside temp and both windows open,I can't control the temp. I'm actually studying the LED options.

 

[mchammer]

I just set up my MH lights for my 120 gallon DT and I was wondering if I should cover my lights with glass. I'm using mogul 250 W lights. I'm not looking for the UV protection, just to protect my bulbs from water splashing on them. The bulbs sit 7" above the water

 

[sirreal63]

You can, it also helps protect the reflector from salt spray.

 

[mchammer]

Do most reefers cover there lights with glass? When looking through the pictures I only see glass on double ended MH lights. Covering them won't cause heat issues?

 

[sirreal63]

Depends on the reflector, some are vented to allow heat to escape, some aren't.

 

[tst400]

Im curious..... I hear so much about the heat from mh, are the lights right on the water??? I dont ask to be rude but I run 3 250 watt and.4 80 watt t5, my fixture is about 10 in off the water and I get maybe 2.5 degree fluctuation.. And I live in Phoenix with a wife that wont let the AC below 78(drives me nuts by the way)

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

[sirreal63]

Some setups manage heat properly, some don't, the ones who have heat problems usually lack adequate ventilation. FWIW I had more heat issues wih retro T5's in a canopy than I ever did with halides. I have no fans or chiller on my tank, we keep the house at 76 to 78 and I have to use a heater to keep the tank from getting too cool.

 

[dave sullivan]

I use a 14,000k MH with vho actinic and 50/50 florescences and I get great colors.

 

[dave sullivan]

I also recommend using approx. 4-6 times wattages per gallon.

 

[stpatrick]

I am second guessing my lighting for my 24" deep sps tank. I went with a 250 watt m80 ballast and radium bulb combo. I love the color. Crisp white with a hint of blue. I am thinking I should have went with a 400 watt system. What ballast will push the 400 watt radium bulb and have it look as white as the 250 watt m80 ballast?

 

[HumbleFish]

Hello,
I'm currently running (2) 250w 20K Radiums on a Galaxy 250 watt ballast. My bulbs are getting old and need to be replaced, so I'm considering one of these:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+20024+3850&pcatid=3850

I'm trying to decide between the 250w 14K and 20K. Will both work with my ballast? Opinions/suggestions?

 

[sirreal63]

Your ballast will work with both of them, no problems.