Lighting Help (Modding??)

[mbierzyc]

I have a ~50 gallon tank, slightly bowed, 36" long, 17" deep and 19" tall.

I'm not too happy with my lighting setup. I have the Current USA Outer Orbit fixture with the 150w metal halide, and the two 65w Actinic PC lights.

I like the look of the fixture, but the bulb is 10k and not too nice of a color. Even with the actinics I don't think the colors look very nice. (and I've seen some of my corals in other people's tanks and the colors are better).

I was thinking of getting this

http://www.hellolights.com/15hlmhrekith.html

and somehow modding my fixture to include both of the 150w Metal Halides. Has anyone done something like this?

Once that is all in place, I would add a different bulb. I'm leaning towards 14k. Anyone have any suggestions?

Maybe my lighting is sufficient for the tank, but the color certainly isn't. I'd appreciate any advice anyone has.


Thanks,

Matt

 

[NewSchool04]

why don't you just change out your 10K bulb? I use a 12K Reeflux w/ no actinic supplements and it looks great. A nice white / blue look.

 

[mbierzyc]

Yeah, I think that will be step 1.

...Hopefully I'm satisfied after step 1.

 

[lovereefs1]

The bulb first sounds good. But if you are going to spend money, don't buy more of what isn't working. I'd recommend getting a 250w DE or 400w SE. They don't cost much more than the 150. The 150 is kinda weak, and there is no substitute for PAR. In my opinion, lighting is a bad place to try to cut a corner and save a buck. Don't envision it as an expense, but rather an investment! Bite the bullet and get the stronger lights, you won't regret it!

 

[mbierzyc]

I like my fixture though, and I already drilled my ceiling to hang it. Do you think I can upgrade my outer orbit fixture to hold a 250 or 400? That would be the ideal upgrade.

 

[glassbox-design]

your 150 mh is fine. As NewSchool said, trade out the bulb to a higher K. the reeflux 12K's are very popular. 150's have enough par for everything at 19in. Maybe an acro wont color up as well on the sandbed, but it will certainly grow.

If you're having problems due to lack of intensity from the 150 after switching out your bulb, look at your params and nutrient levels. With our filtration and low nutrient capabilities there is no need for 400 watters on a 19in tank. Maybe you'd benefit from 250's, but you already invested the money and bought a nice unit, just make it work for you.

e+f