i would like to upgrade to MH but am not sure (1) if it's necessary for my setup and(2) which retrofit kit to buy.
(1) i have a 65 gal reef (36"L x 18"W x 24"D) w/ 20 gal sump amd 5 gal refugium. i currently run 2 x URI 36" 95W VHO's (1 super actinic, 1 aquasun on a Sunseeker FC3 ballast) and a JBJ 192W 2 x 36" PC retro kit (1 white, 1 blue). if i upgraded i would have to remove something as there is no more room under my hood (6" clear from top of water to bot of lid). the reef is 60% full of LR and i currently grow LPS, one SPS, a derasa and softies. in the future i'd like to grow a t.maxima and more of the above.
(2) what MH retro kit would you use? can you use one with only 6" total clearance? go with spider ballast(5"H) or alum sheet or bulb w/ housing or complete DIY setup? I was thinking 1 250W 10K MH. icecap vs PFO ve RFI - which is best? any reccomendations as to which online retailer has the best service/price?
any feedback would surely help thanks
(1) i have a 65 gal reef (36"L x 18"W x 24"D) w/ 20 gal sump amd 5 gal refugium. i currently run 2 x URI 36" 95W VHO's (1 super actinic, 1 aquasun on a Sunseeker FC3 ballast) and a JBJ 192W 2 x 36" PC retro kit (1 white, 1 blue). if i upgraded i would have to remove something as there is no more room under my hood (6" clear from top of water to bot of lid). the reef is 60% full of LR and i currently grow LPS, one SPS, a derasa and softies. in the future i'd like to grow a t.maxima and more of the above.
(2) what MH retro kit would you use? can you use one with only 6" total clearance? go with spider ballast(5"H) or alum sheet or bulb w/ housing or complete DIY setup? I was thinking 1 250W 10K MH. icecap vs PFO ve RFI - which is best? any reccomendations as to which online retailer has the best service/price?
any feedback would surely help thanks
