Metal Halide question

[iaJim]

I've been running a VHO/PC setup for a long time. I decided to get out of the PC setup and I went to three VHO tubes. (36" 58 gallon). I have an aquasun, an actinic white, and a super actinic. All are URIs. The aquasun and the actinic white need to be replaced. They have been going for six months. The whole thing looks a bit dull to me, and I'm thinking that maybe I should go to metal halides. I don't know anything at all about them except that they are hot and beautiful.

I have a full hood over the tank that has a 12" clearance. Could I couple MH with the VHOs? What type of fixture/ballast/lamp do you recommend? Could you recommend a good site to do some research on this?

Thanks so much.

 

[iaJim]

Let me simplify my question.

What type of MH fixture/ballast do you recommend for a 58 gallon reef ready minireef.

 

[iaJim]

Let me simplify my question.

What type of MH fixture/ballast do you recommend for a 58 gallon reef ready minireef.

 

[iaJim]

Sorry for the double post.

 

[leeweber85]

check out hellolights.com for some good retro fit deals.

I would probably go with 1-250w halide with a nice reflector, or maybe even 2- 175w or 2-250w halides depending on how tall the tank is, and what type of corals you want to keep.

 

[musty baby]

I'd go with 2 175w 10 or 14ks and then use your vhos for actinic supplementation. I've got 1 250 over a 3' 50 gallon and it's kind of dim on the ends.

 

[musty baby]

Oh. And I'd get double ended bulbs on electronic ballasts with the simple little reflectors that hellolights sells. 2 of them on a 3' tank would work great as they do a good job of getting the light where you want it and take up little room.

 

[iaJim]

Is this: http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1663
the reflector you like?

Thanks for your help.

 

[musty baby]

Yes. I like them because they're small and still do a good job directing light. If size isn't an issue there are better reflectors.

 

[billbigsbe1]

Sorry but im a budget reefer, 1 light less maintanence. watch out hellolights is expensive!!! Try www.hamiltontechnology.com I would buy one 400w MH 20k. If you get a 250 I have 3 new 250 DE 20k bulbs for sale $25 ea or $55 for all 3. Good Luck

 

[Atticus]

I didn't think hellolights was expensive, they have been one of the cheapest in the hobby. Just glancing at pricing between the two sites it seems there is not much difference. Hello lights just offers more variety and more top end items if you are looking for that.