MH suggestions wanted

[mountainbiker619]

Hey guys and gals, im looking to install MH's and I would like your feedback. Tank heigth is 20 inches (standard 100 gal). It will contain mostly soft corals, but maybe a few hard some day. I plan on using 14k bulbs. Should I use 250 or 400 wat? Which brand of ballast do you prefer?
I plan on just using two lights to start out with, but may need a third if the two do not produce the look that I am in search of. I plan on the MH's to be the only light source for this aquarium.

David

 

[k1]

go for 400w if you can pay elec
most of my sps are only 10 inches away from 1600w 2-10k 2-20k
hood gets very hot but sps love it

 

[texasreefer]

I've bought mine from http://www.1000bulbs.com/ and put my lights together myself. I'm getting ready to order some more from them as well.

 

[King Jason]

If you get 250's you will be upset you didn't just buy 400's. I would get the 400's so you can keep just about anything you want (with regards to lighting).

I always try to not limit myself (wherever possible)

 

[mountainbiker619]

Yes, I agree with the 400 vice 250. Any particular choice of ballast? I have always used Hamilton products, but have been checking out IceCap, PFO and Blue Wave.

 

[suckair]

I switchout out 250w Iwaki lamps to HQI lamps and the difference was amazing. The light so bright and crips yet still had warmth. I am a HQI fan. They have higher intensity and can cut deeper into a tank. Some have compared their output to close that of 400w Iwasaki lamps but I have not compared personaly.

 

[mountainbiker619]

suckair,

where did you buy your HQI's at? I do a search for HQI, and only hits I get are not in english.

 

[Garry thomas]

Why put 400watt halides on a 20 inch deep tank only housing softies? you mad or somthing, if you want a barby go and throw a steak on one outtha back. seriously 250's or even 150's plenty 12 inchs off the water! and even they give off tremendous amounts of heat. if you can supplement with actinics you could go for either 10000k or 140000k iv switched to 14000k very pleasing to the eye. Im not trying to get anyone's back up K1 and mountain biker but you must be honest lets help this guy thats what we are all here for?

 

[mountainbiker619]

I am thinking that since I may need 3 seperate single MH's to get full lighting coverage in my aquarium, that I should go with 150's. Even more since I only have 6 inches of room between the water line and the top of my canopy. Right now I have 400 wts of PC's installed, and I had to install 2 fans to keep things cool. But I am going with the 14k, that is for sure.

David

 

[Garry thomas]

Good choice my friend?

 

[seahawkjohnny]

if you are looking for a good HQI setup, try Sunlight Supply...or www.ecorals.com....they sell them also I thing Premium Aquatics does also, I also like the new IceCap Halide ballasts they will power ANY halide including HQI

 

[ChrisRD]

if you are looking for a good HQI setup, try Sunlight Supply...

Coral Reef Aquarium sells Sunlight Supply stuff and they're a sponsor here.

As mentioned above, Premium Aquatics sells the Sunlight Supply products, and they're a sponsor too.

Inland Reef (yet another sponsor ) carries Giesemann products. The Nova II is a nice, compact DE ("HQI") pendant.

BTW, Aqualine also makes nice DE fixtures (including pendants now).