MH lighting and UV damage

[tomnmaddie]

Just wondering as I set up a 120G reef tank if I need to shield the two 175w MH icecap ballast with Ushrio 10000k bulbs or not related to the UV??? <in the past I have only done HO or VHO floro so the MH is new to me>

Current hood set up is 4 54w HO T5, 2 175w MH, with moon lights all run off icecap ballasts, hood is vented with 2 4" thermal fans

First post been watching and listening intenetly

Tom

 

[Northtampatang]

As far as I know, the only bulbs that require a UV filter are the HQI double-ended halide bulbs. I believe all other halides (single ended) have a UV shield built into the glass of the bulb.



Wes

 

[college429]

still emit UV

still emit UV

I used a test card and found that even single ended bulbs emit high levels of UV. Whether it is a problem or not, I believe has to do with what corals you are keeping and if they are acclimated to the level of UV you are emitting.

Common plexiglass will filter out almost all UV. It does need to be replaced from time to time.

 

[PelagicMagic]

HQI only need the protective glass. The SE bulbs have it built in the bulb so you donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t need it. All bulbs will emit some level of UV.

 

[robthorn]

stick to t5's and you don't have to waste as much money or worry about it. my t5's are growing everything I put in my tank and so far the colors are looking good.

 

[Aquatic Hamster]

Those are good bulbs, nice brightness. No I don't think you need any special UV protection, although I would't try to have a staring contest with it while its on. You typically get a warning about uv protection if its needed, my 14k phoenix bulbs had such a notice on the box IIRC. I use the doubled ended HQI's.

 

[tomnmaddie]

thanks for all the post my question is answered