I'm currently using 3 250watt 14k Ham.MH with 2 vho actinics. I'm using ARO electronic ballast and it just doesn't seem very bright. My tank is 30" tall 18" deep and 72" long. Would stepping up to 400watt MH be too much for this tank? Are these ballast known to burn a little dim?
MH wattage
- Thread starter 4everwet
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Do you have a reflector? Type? I run 175w 14 k hammies on standard ballast with Lumenarc reflector and get plenty of light with 24" deep tank. I would think the electronic ballast would give a little more par and be more efficient than the cap/coil ballast. How long have you used the 14k bulbs? If you had 10k before them there is quite a drop in par going to 14. I love the color though.
Yea, they can make a big difference. Don't know the size of your canopy but my lumenarc takes up some room, they make a mini so look into them. They can be expensive but well worth the price. There are also what is called a spider reflector that is available from Premium Aquatics that's not as expensive but may fit in your hood. Click on sponsors above.
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