New to MH lighting

[stevedola]

If you go with the 15k iwaski bulb then you should definitely look into getting some sort of supplementation. LEDs are nice for that.

BTW regardless of its 250 or 175w you will need a fan to help take the hot air away from that reflector.

 

[Danzig]

If you go with the 15k iwaski bulb then you should definitely look into getting some sort of supplementation. LEDs are nice for that.

BTW regardless of its 250 or 175w you will need a fan to help take the hot air away from that reflector.

Why do you say that i would need supplementation? I was looking for reasons behind advice/recommendations people have to give.. thanks anyways though

 

[moondoggy4]

http://www.aquacave.com/CoralVue-175W-Metal-Halide-Retro-Kit-with-Electronic-Ballast-P338C263.aspx You showed what you wanted this just show's a package deal.

 

[stevedola]

Because...in my experience with iwaski bulbs they are very white and unless you like that look, you would need to add blue so your tank would look pleasing to the eye. But by all means do as you see fit and dont listen to advice/recommendations.

 

[James77]

Why do you say that i would need supplementation? I was looking for reasons behind advice/recommendations people have to give.. thanks anyways though

You wouldn't need it, it really comes down to personal preference. Some....a rare few....don't even mind the pee yellow of the 6500k bulbs. The Iwasaki is very white, though a true 15k according to Sanjay. It is almost too white for me, even with LED actinics. I use LED actinics because IMO that is one area they are great in, a peaked spectrum. I really do like the Iwasaki for the PAR and low electric, but if you add up the electric difference between that and an HQI 250 watter like Radium, its only about $5 more per month per bulb, at 8 hours and $.14/kwh. Radiums are beautiful bulbs and have the same PAR as the Iwasaki 15k and have no need for actinics.

 

[stevedola]

you make too much sense james.

 

[James77]

you make too much sense james.

Thanks Steve...its good to know since it all feels like incoherent nonsense in my head :hmm5:


What part of RI are you in? I've seen you here and on BRS for years...surprised we've never bumped into each other.

 

[stevedola]

We probably have crossed paths at johns or jeremys but I usually dont wear my reef central name tag outside meetings

Im in johnston for the last few years. Im on here surfing for answers myself, Im having skimmer issues right now, its always something.

 

[James77]

Probably, i always stop by either Johns or CRA just at least to look at the livestock. Not much of a meeting guy, usually just meet others to buy or trade stuff, hopefully will bump into you one day :beer:

Grew up in Johnston for about 18 years, and my mom and dad still live there. They are off of Greenville Ave and Atwood Ave. Great town to live in