new mh lights for 55?

[akhanf]

Hi guys,

Thinking about upgrading my lights to 2-250W reeflux 12k's on coralvue ballasts ($394 retrofit on ebay). I don't want to run any VHO's which is why I'm getting 12k bulbs. Is 250W going to look really bright on my 55 gal? I wanna get something that I can still use even if I upgrade to a larger tank (90 gal?). Anyone have any pics of 12K reeflux bulbs on their tank (without actinics)?

Also, can anyone recommend a good online dealer for retro kits in the states (nice exchange rate right now)? hellolights doesn't ship to canada anymore.

Thoughts or advice anyone? (btw I'm converting my tank to an sps tank - hence the lighting upgrade)

 

[Wiskey]

Over my 50 I run 2*250 MH XM 10K, on ARO elec balasts, it looks really brite, but I love it, the corals seem to as well. This setup is a little new for me, so I can't give you any long term results, but some of my corals are already taking off. The bulbs are now 9 inches off the water, using spyder reflectors.

I also have 2*55W pc atinics.

2*250 would also work over a 90, or 120, this is the derection I am going with this also.

Can't help you on the dealer though.

HTH,
Whiskey

 

[Ti]

I guess you can try marine depot

 

[undertai]

Depending on what you already have you will have to reacclimate your corals to the new light. I currently run 2 55w pc actinics and 2 175w mh bulbs on my 55 gallon. And everything is growing rapidly. I even have a neon green acropora sp. on the sand and it grows fast. I run one ushio 10k on left and aqualine 10k on right. Nothing wrong with running different bulbs; just bought the ballast and came with bulbs already.

But I am looking into getting xm 15's or some 14k some I won't be running pc's or upgrade pcs to vho. Ballast only $10 to run 4 110w bulbs.

total of 790 at 14watts per gallon maybe i'll run just 2 vho's

 

[akhanf]

Right now I'm running 260W PC's (10k+actinic) for 10 hrs, 2 hrs actinic only. When I put in my 2*250W 12k reeflux lights, how long a photoperiod should I use to start with, and how fast should I ramp it up? (bulbs will probably be ~12" from surface of water).

Thanks!

 

[Wiskey]

I would start with MH for 4 hours per day, and turn it up about 1/2 to 1 hour per week. Turn it up in 15 min (or lower) incriments, if you see the corals not being open as far, or bleaching turn it back and go slower.

Whiskey