My Lighting Plan - Feedback /Suggestions Please

[reefmongrel]

Upgrading my lighting on my 90 to MH. Tank is 23" deep. Have some Zoos, Stonies, small clams. Here is the plan:

Two:
ReefOptix III Pendants
250 W 10K Ushios - HQI
Electronic IceCap MH Ballasts
2- T5 actinics i already have

I am also interested in your opinion on E-ballasts vs Magnetic in this scenario.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Craig

 

[Anonymous]

electronic = a bit more flexibilty with bulb type (I think the older icecap ballast can't handle the HQI bulbs though, don't quote me on that though), it runs cooler, less energy. Magnetic is hotter, heavier and beefier, it also is brighter for bulbs but I'd not nitpick over an additional "20watts" of lighting and go with the cooler alternative.

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree that the electronic ballasts are cooler running, smaller, lighter, etc., but disagree that they offer more flexibility with lamp type (if anything I think an argument could easily be made for the reverse).

Also, if you look at some of the lighting data available now, it appears that the electronic balllasts underdrive many DE lamps resulting in significantly lower light output. They do consume less power than the magnetic HQI ballasts, but are not necessarily more efficient. If you look at Sanjay's work, in many cases the HQI is using more power, but is often providing an even greater increase in light output (ie. more light per watt, more efficient).

IMO they both have their attributes - which one will suit you best just depends on what your priorties are...

 

[ChrisRD]

FWIW, I just looked out of curiosity... ...according to Sanjay's data, in the case of the 250 Watt Ushio 10K DEs, the HQI (M80) ballast used 24% more power but produced 32% more light than the IceCap (ie. more efficient).

 

[reefmongrel]

Thanks Chris. Yes, I saw the output difference - so there is a relationship between cost and output!
My goal is to deliver the right light to the livestock. I prefer the E ballast on balance primarily because the footprint is smaller/lighter. I didn't want to make that the primary choice if other factors are relative.

I'd gladly use 175W if the 23" depth of the tank isn't too much of a barrier. If you have thoughts about that please weigh-in.


Thanks again.

Craig

 

[ChrisRD]

With stonies and clams in there I would use the 250s personally.

 

[Unarce]

Definitely 250W DEs.

 

[reefmongrel]

Thanks all- I went w the 250 HQI and the magnetic ballast that supports 2 lamps from ReefOptix. Looking forward to it!!