Am I going to blind my fish?

[Lizzy & Me]

The new 400W MH arrived! I thought I would give one of these a try and post my findings.

http://cgi.ebay.com/400-Metal-Halid...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It arrived today and of course I had to fire it up on the kitchen table, well it just about lit up the whole house and it seemed that the fish got skittish in the next room. I thought this would be appropriate after researcing MH for the 300g/40" deep tank but now I am wondering. It seems that even if I have 12-18" of airspace over the acrylic it may weaken the top? The bulb is a PlusRite 10K bulb. I have 400w of PC lighting now and there seems to be nice coraline algae growth. I am trying to get geared up for a reef tank.

Any thoughts?

 

[Lizzy & Me]

[No message]

 

[Joew]

Hey Liz/Me,
Usually the rule of thumb is 1xMH per each 2 square feet. 400 watts on a 40" tall (depth usually refers to front to back ) tank should be no problem. So i would prolly do 2x400 on that puppy, i did look at the pic and it really is a tall beast. I wouldn't worry about spooking your fish or anything. Is the tank open or covered? Most people usually go open unless they have jumpers Then again any fish can jump if pissed... Wrasses are famous for suicide jumps

regards....

jw
_________________
Ferrari GT4

 

[Lizzy & Me]

The top is open with a center brace. I had read of these being damaged and failing as a result of excessive heat. I am planning just about 14' of clearence.

I haven't seen my wrasse more than twice in the last month, he seems to prefer the sand. I hope to suspend the light tomorrow and acclaimate the fish to it (if I don't blow a breaker)!

 

[mr_X]

that light will be fine, but like joe said..2 would be better. did you find that ballast abnormally loud? i bought one from the same guy, and although it was very cheap, it was mega loud!
i just cooked it by spilling water on it anyway
meanwhile..i got this one!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... &rd=1&rd=1

 

[Lizzy & Me]

The ballast is loud. I plan on relocating my high draw (which also happens to be my noisiest gear) to the laundry room on the other side of the wall to split the electrical load. The eBay guy was super slow shipping, but gave me an extra bulb to make up for it. Man is that thing bright. The whole family was walking aroung in their sun glasses!

Let me know how that ballast works Mr. X, I just might have to try one. Also did you go with the 10K bulb? How much space will you leave between the water and the bulb?

Thanks,
Jack

 

[mr_X]

i purchased 14k bulbs from this guy:
http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-10000K-M ... dZViewItem

my light like the one you have came with a 4000k hydroponics bulb, which is worthless to me.
i noticed if you roll the ballast on it's side, you can get it to quiet down some.
as for the bright room, i always make a joke that if you can't find my apartment, just look for the "football stadium glow" and follow it to me!
you might build a canopy to house the fixtures, so the light doesn't flood out the whole room.
i have 10 inches between the water and the bulb.

 

[Lizzy & Me]

Great info. I received the 10K bulb, tried it today and man is it cool. So cool in fact I picked up a 400W PFO with two actinics in it today with a nice quiet ballast for $150. I am going for the "Jesus" light! The fish seemed a bit skittish again today so I am trying to slowly acclimate them. I am planning on a floor to ceiling stand and canopy and a attic fan to vent the thing!

 

[mr_X]

good plan! what's a "jesus light"?

 

[Lizzy & Me]

Well I figured if 800 watts gave the stadium effect than 1200w would be like walking towards the bright light in near death experiences...thus Jesus. Just my lame attempt at humor Mr. X..... :lol:

 

[mr_X]

LMAO...that's what i thought you meant. i have 2 of these on my tank, along with 384 watts of compact flourescents, and i haven't seent he LORD yet.

 

[Lizzy & Me]

Swamp another ballast and you just might! :wink: