can someone help me with MH. im new to MH

[donald_202]

i want to get these MH lights but i dont know what ballast to get with it.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquar..._metal_halide_icecap_hqi_250_400_pendant.html

should i get a ballast thats 250w or 400w? and how how many ballast do i need if im planning to buy 3 lights? i heard some ballast can do 2 pentant right?


thank you

 

[donald_202]

and im gettin it used. 3 months old for 135 each with shipping. is that a good deal? no bulbs

 

[Deanos]

On what sized tank? 5g or 500g? Tank dimensions? What livestock do you ultimately plan for the tank? How much is paying for electricity a consideration?

 

[donald_202]

right now i have a 55g but plannin to upgrade to 180 or 200. i want to keep everyhting, clams lps, sps, lolz

 

[Deanos]

55g ---> (2) 250w Icecap electronic ballasts
180/200g ---> (3) 250w Icecap electronic ballasts

 

[donald_202]

so 1 ballast for 1 pendant . ok got you. but they are 250w or 400w so should i get a 250w ballast or the 400w ballast....400 is 2 much rite?

 

[Deanos]

Metal halide wattages are primarily determined by tank depth. Until you know the depth of the planned upgrade, everyone would be guessing as to which wattage would best suit you.

 

[donald_202]

0oh...now i get it....lolz thank you for your help and your time.