Please Help! Metal Halide Setup

[Jiddy]

Currently running VHO on my 220gal take. Finally have the extra cash to upgrade to Metal Halide. I was thinking of running 250w 400w 250w setup. With the 400w in the middle window and the 250w on the sides. I know a carpenter and an electrician so i was going to go DIY on the canopy and retrofit the halides in. My question beging, is this a good price/quality for my ballast decision.

TIA

http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=18407&cat=0&page=1

 

[Jiddy]

http://www.reefexotics.com/lumenarc_retro.htm

just get the 3 400w witht he Lumenarc III reflectors, i just cant decide if i want 10k or 20k

 

[datablitz]

if you are not going to run VHO's with it for blue, you should probably do 20k. when i use 10ks i run vho blues with them. also makes it so you can have that nice dusk and dawn effect.

 

[Justin James]

I just ordered 2 250 watt DE Retros with Luminarc reflectors, and Icecape ballasts. I'm going to run 2 Mega chrome 13,000K DE bulbs since they give all the growth of a 10,000K bulb without the yellow color. They are great for people who don't want to have to add actinics but still maintain lots of growth.

 

[PAUL327]

Where do you purchase mega chrome bulbs?

 

[Jiddy]

hOW Much did you spend on your 250w setup?

 

[Justin James]

I purchased my stuff from J&L aquatics in BC Canada. www.jlaquatics.com . You have to call and request the Luminarc reflectors since they arn't on the website though.

In total this system including bulbs cost me $850.

The Megachrome bulbs are a product of Guissmenn and were also bought with the other stuff at J&L Aquatics.

 

[Justin James]

Also I should add that my Luminarcs are the Luminarc mini DE Stealth Pendents that are powdercoated and able to be hung without a canopy. They look pretty sweet. Kinda futuristic.