commercial metal halide lighting

[osufarker]

I'm new to the various lighting options available for a SW tank. I understand that MH is the best, but it is quite costly. Is it possible to use commerical MH fixtures/ballasts such as this.
I realize that the light bulbs are probably not the right color, so my question is, can I buy the commerical setup and just buy the aquarium specific bulbs to go in it?

 

[daniel411]

I'd be very concerned with having salt creep into the ballast. As well as that annoying hum that those ballasts can give off. Also, which ballasts can fire the common bulbs in the aquarium trade varies quite a bit.
Welcome to the board.

 

[osufarker]

I guess I will steer clear from them. I'm not planning on a reef tank anyway, maybe in the future.
How much of a difference would powercompact make over standard flourescent for a FOWLR?

 

[daniel411]

Originally posted by osufarker
I guess I will steer clear from them. I'm not planning on a reef tank anyway, maybe in the future.
How much of a difference would powercompact make over standard flourescent for a FOWLR?
PC's will have greater depth penetration into the water. So if your tanks 18-24" tall, there will be a slight difference. You're also have possible better growth on your live rock, depending on what photosynthetic organisms are growing on it. I personally would use vho or pc on a FOWLR.
Oh, what kind of bike do you ride?

 

[dreeves]

If you were willing to go 130.00 on those used lights...go to hellolights,com...you can get DIY kits and parts for about that price.

 

[dreeves]

Also, if you are just going with fish...just do the normal flourescents...your fish do not require any certain amount of light, the bulbs are cheaper, and far more variety.

 

[fender]

I am using a very similar commercial setup. I tossed the reflector, removed the socket from the housing, bought 20+ feet of cord and wired it up to a spider reflector mogul socket setup. Works fine. However, shipping on those units will put them above what you would pay going locally for a new ballast at an electrical supply and using your own housing.

 

[elpezgrande]

Here is a pre assembled retrofit kit for an aquarium that is only $5 more.
http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...396635739&rd=1
One thing to keep in mind while shopping for MH lighting is the type of ballast. The low end ballasts you will see on ---- and such are most likely magnetic. Electronic ballasts supposedly are quieter and use 25% less power than magnetic ballasts. In the long run that may make the higher upfront cost worth it.

 

[fender]

Note that the auction was for 4 units for $130.

 

[osufarker]

Originally posted by Daniel411
PC's will have greater depth penetration into the water. So if your tanks 18-24" tall, there will be a slight difference. You're also have possible better growth on your live rock, depending on what photosynthetic organisms are growing on it. I personally would use vho or pc on a FOWLR.
Oh, what kind of bike do you ride?
I ride a 2001 Triumph Sprint RS. I also have a deposit on a Triumph Thruxton. I love my triumphs.