reverendmaynard
New member
Hi Folks,
I'm new to MH lighting (currently using 4x80w T5, overdriven on 2x IC660s, w/ TEK reflectors) and would like some advice.
Both my tank and my reefkeeping skills have matured to the point where I am moving more towards SPS and away from softies and leathers. I'm looking for enough light to get good color and growth from some of the more light demanding corals at the top of the tank, but don't feel it's necessary to have enough light to grow acros on the sand bed or anything.
Since I'm lighting a standard AGA 125 that is only 18" front to back, giving each light a 24"x18"x22" area to light, I don't think the new square parabolic reflectors such as the lumenarc and lumenbright are a good fit for this application. As far as I was able to determine, the best oblong reflector currently available is the icecap. With that in mind, I found this 175w icecap retro kit at what looks like a very good price. Combined with this 20,000K XM bulb, I think I'd get a significant boost in lighting over my current setup without going overboard on the electrical usage and heat for approximately $650 shipped. Of course, for about $75 more I could step up to the 250w DE retro kits and bulbs. The initial cost doesn't bother me so much, but the 40+% increase in electrical costs and heat is concerning. I refuse to run a chiller, but do keep the tank in an air conditioned basement and can/will run fans as necessary.
What do you all think? Is the icecap reflector/ballast the way to go? Will I be disappointed with the 175s compared to my current T5s? Is the 20000K XM a good bulb on the icecap ballasts?
TIA
I'm new to MH lighting (currently using 4x80w T5, overdriven on 2x IC660s, w/ TEK reflectors) and would like some advice.
Both my tank and my reefkeeping skills have matured to the point where I am moving more towards SPS and away from softies and leathers. I'm looking for enough light to get good color and growth from some of the more light demanding corals at the top of the tank, but don't feel it's necessary to have enough light to grow acros on the sand bed or anything.
Since I'm lighting a standard AGA 125 that is only 18" front to back, giving each light a 24"x18"x22" area to light, I don't think the new square parabolic reflectors such as the lumenarc and lumenbright are a good fit for this application. As far as I was able to determine, the best oblong reflector currently available is the icecap. With that in mind, I found this 175w icecap retro kit at what looks like a very good price. Combined with this 20,000K XM bulb, I think I'd get a significant boost in lighting over my current setup without going overboard on the electrical usage and heat for approximately $650 shipped. Of course, for about $75 more I could step up to the 250w DE retro kits and bulbs. The initial cost doesn't bother me so much, but the 40+% increase in electrical costs and heat is concerning. I refuse to run a chiller, but do keep the tank in an air conditioned basement and can/will run fans as necessary.
What do you all think? Is the icecap reflector/ballast the way to go? Will I be disappointed with the 175s compared to my current T5s? Is the 20000K XM a good bulb on the icecap ballasts?
TIA