What kind of MH Reflectors/Pendents?

[Ambition]

What kind of MH reflectors/pendents do you guys use? I am trying to get as many opinions and thoughts on this before I purchase anything. Don't want to end up finding out I went cheap and have to buy my lighting over again.

I have been suggested this pendent by my club. Then use either 20K Radiums or 14K Phoenix bulbs without any actinic supplementation. I am wanting to use either a 14K or 10K bulb so that there is enough spectrum for great growth in corals (SPS dominant mixed reef). I don't mind paying some more for actinic supplementation with T5s or LEDs. Just thought I would see what RC suggests before moving forward with this.

BTW: I am buying two of whichever pendents/reflectors are suggested for a 120 gallon SPS dominant mixed reef. Need plenty of light!

 

[sirreal63]

That reflector is better with wider tanks, if this is a standard 120 the Lumen Max Elite would be a better choice.

 

[Ambition]

Thanks Jack! I will be able to add actinics then to get the looks the way I want with the MHs being better spectrum for PAR to grow the corals.

 

[sirreal63]

There is no question that the growth from 10k's is fabulous but a lot of people want that Windex blue look. I like 10k's and actintic supplementation, it is a classic look. The increase in Par is substantial and with a good reflector is is the best for growth and color. Over the years I have preferred 10k's for growth then 20k's when I want the growt to slow down a little. Remember the bulb, ballast and reflector work together and the selection is important. A low Par bulb,driven with the wrong ballast and crappy reflector is not the same as a high Par bulb, driven with the proper ballast and reflector. The difference between the two can be tremendous even with the same wattage, watts don't provide Par or growth.

 

[Ambition]

What 10K bulbs do you use? I don't like the Windex blue look, makes the SPS look too much like colored sticks. Also, what ballast would you suggest? I already know I am going to be using a 250 watt bulb. Are Galaxy ballasts any good or is there a better brand I should get?

Thanks again for the help!

 

[sirreal63]

I use DE bulbs and both the XDE and Ushio are very close. DE bulbs need the HQI ballast to perform as intended. If you go with SE bulbs they will either be HQI spec bulbs or regular 250's so it makes sense to pick the bulb you want then get the appropriate ballast. If you are running regular bulbs the electronic makes sense and is a good choice, if not you will be under driving the bulb and losing Par and getting a slightly different color. That may not be as important to you so I would not say avoid is ballast or that ballast. If you want the most from the bulb, run the recommended ballast for the bulb.

 

[Ambition]

I am going to go with 10K DE Ushio bulbs. Do you have a link to a specific ballast that would work?

 

[sirreal63]

I prefer the Aqua Medic Reeflex Cube, best ballast on the market in my opinion. You will need to do some careful acclimation, it will be a smoking combination. I am running the Ushio's but in 150 watt variety and have had some acclimation fun, it is a hardcore combination.

I am cheating and running 175 watt ARO ballasts for a little extra kick but will put the Cube ballasts back on at some point.

 

[Ambition]

Thanks for all of this info. By acclimation, you mean light acclimation for the corals? If you do I still haven't gotten there yet, but will be sure too. My goal is to have colorful coral, not the old school bleach white coral.

 

[sirreal63]

Yes, too high of light before the corals are acclimated to it is a sure way to bleach them and the setup you are thinking about will be able to bleach them easily.