Making the Metal Halide switch

[blackcloudmedia]

So Ive decided to make the switch to a metal halide system with SPS corals. Mostly acros and monti. Anyways, fr my 55 gallon what sort of range should I stick with? Ive heard 14000K reccomended and Ive heard otherwise. What gives the prettiest look and best growth?

 

[Len]

For a 55g, a 250W will do just fine. For the color temp, that's very subjective. I've seen excellent color and growth from a wide range of bulbs. I personally like the 14K look, but most 14K bulbs (and higher) have less output compared to 10K or lower. My bulb recommendations: Ushio 10K, Reeflux 10K, Ushio 14K, or Phoenix/Aquaconnect 14K.

 

[blackcloudmedia]

hmm 250? My Power compacts ae 250 right now and Im getting no SPS growth. The polyps are extended, but no growth, at least not noticeable.

 

[Len]

250 watt halides are very bright. I am thinking two over a 55 gallon though (if it's 48" long). A halide is best used over a 2x2 feet area.

Going 400W is a bit overkill and can create heat issues.

 

[Anonymous]

are you dosing calcium/alk?

B

 

[blackcloudmedia]

Yea my tank eats calcium like rosie o donnel eats cake. My maxima clam puts on a new layer every week.

 

[blackcloudmedia]

250 watt halides are very bright. I am thinking two over a 55 gallon though (if it's 48" long). A halide is best used over a 2x2 feet area.

Going 400W is a bit overkill and can create heat issues.

So you think I should do two 250's?

 

[Len]

Ya, i'd got 2 x 250W. DE or mogul sockets are both fine.

 

[blackcloudmedia]

Can you explain the difference Len? Im not sure what the sockets are.

 

[Anonymous]

Mogul looks like a regular light bulb only bigger. The bulbs are shielded and do not require a glass pane. DE's look like the halogen bulbs you see at home depot, again only bigger. They are not shielded and require a glass pane to keep the UV from burning your coral and damageing your eyes. They burn a little different, both types can be run from electronic ballast. For regular solidstate ballast you need to match the bulb to ballast (IIRC).