MH questions

[Kookynewky]

I just got a fixture with an HQI MH 175w 20k bulb. Is there a break in period for these lights? I have a pair of 65w PC Actinics going in the same fixture with this MH bulb. What will changing the bulb to a different color do for my tank's livestock abilities, meaning, coral types that it can support or does it matter at all?

 

[xtrstangx]

After 100 hours, it should be "burned in" for its final color. Some bulbs don't have a drastic change during the burn in period.

The 65w actinic doesn't add a significant amount of light as far as coral growth. What size tank do you have?

 

[Kookynewky]

65g 36x18x24

The fixture has 2x65w PC bulbs plus the HQI bulb. I also have another 65w PC fixture if need be.

Another question...the middle support brace is directly under the MH bulb. Is there any way to replace that with either glass or plexiglass w/o removing the water in the tank.

Will the HQI bulb get brighter over the 100hr period or is it what it is right now?