Metal Halide watts Question

[Chef]

hi, After 3 days 43 pages and countless threads I cann't find the answer to my question.

I have a 72 Gl Bowfront

My question is, that I want to put Metal Halides in a canopy that I am going to bulid and I think a couple of t5's for some blue color, how do I figure out how many watts I need and how may lights would I need?
Is it cheaper to piece a system together or just buuy a retro fit kit?

Also while I am asking and taking up bandwidth I'll also ask who would be the best place to buy them from?
thanks for your time and help
Ken

 

[yamaha racer]

i wopuld go w/ 2-250w mh to even out the light,,and 12 or 14k will look nice.,,,,and marinedepot.com u can but a retrofit for like $95

 

[Ti]

2 X 250 MH is a good way to go

 

[Chef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6548431#post6548431 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yamaha racer
i wopuld go w/ 2-250w mh to even out the light,,and 12 or 14k will look nice.,,,,and marinedepot.com u can but a retrofit for like $95

thanks Guys

I am think the 250 MH is Meatal Halide but that is the 14K?

 

[Chef]

oh and is there any certain brand to stay away from ?

 

[Ti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6548470#post6548470 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dyslexic
thanks Guys

I am think the 250 MH is Meatal Halide but that is the 14K?

14K = color of the bulb

 

[supertech3]

You may also want to look at Hellolights.com, for ideas on retro kits they also will price match

 

[Chef]

so something like this would be good?

48" DUAL 250 Watt Metal Halide / QUAD 110 Watt VHO Retrofit Kit

it is from here http://www.aquariumlight.com/product_info.asp?dbid=324


This Reef Reflector setup comes complete with our specially designed aluminum extruded metal halide cooling ballast box.
The reflector is made by Annod of Germany, the leader in optical reflective material.


All Aquariumlight.com hoods and ballasts boxes come with 2 year repair or replace warranties.

This setup is perfect for the Reef Tanks from 100 to 150 gallons.

The VHO bulbs are included and can be either Actinic or 10K.

Metal Halide bulb is not included

PRICE: $539.00

 

[PsychoKnight]

The configuration looks really great. I bought on the modest side, and just spent a pain of time, effort and money to up the wattage and add additional mogul and pc sockets. Best to get it fully loaded from the start. The only suggestion I would make is to check the MH positions in relation to your 72bow and decide if they are evenly spaced apart. If not, you can remount the mogul sockets to more optimal positions.
I think 12k is a good balance between growth from par and a pleasant color.
Don't forget the price doesn't include the bulbs, and the price of any quality bulb will add significantly to the setup cost.

 

[Chef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6550473#post6550473 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PsychoKnight
The configuration looks really great. I bought on the modest side, and just spent a pain of time, effort and money to up the wattage and add additional mogul and pc sockets. Best to get it fully loaded from the start. The only suggestion I would make is to check the MH positions in relation to your 72bow and decide if they are evenly spaced apart. If not, you can remount the mogul sockets to more optimal positions.
I think 12k is a good balance between growth from par and a pleasant color.
Don't forget the price doesn't include the bulbs, and the price of any quality bulb will add significantly to the setup cost.

eyah I just whent back and looked at the price of the bulbs.... HOLLY *@*&##! those things cost alot ... maybe I should try and find a diff, set up that is a lottle cheaper. And your right from the why the pic looks I think I would have to move the MH in some .... thanks for the help guys and keep it coming.
Ken

 

[McCrary]

If you have a canopy you could do a retrofit with 2 250 10,000k watt halides and 2 65 watt actinics to balance the color. Its seems to work really well as long as you run a fan to circulate air in the canopy.

 

[Chef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6556778#post6556778 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TurboSnail8898
If you have a canopy you could do a retrofit with 2 250 10,000k watt halides and 2 65 watt actinics to balance the color. Its seems to work really well as long as you run a fan to circulate air in the canopy.

TS is the 4 VHO bulbs over kill? and where would you buy them from?