Confused about MH lighting....

[misty927]

Well, I'm setting up my new 90 gallon reef ready and have planned to go MH. From what I've read, that seems like my best option with the corals I want to do. Question is, I'm confused about ballasts. When I search for MH products, I see a lot of sockets and stuff, without the ballasts. How does that work?? And what are some good brands that are set up and ready to go...I'm talking...no work, just plug the things in. I'm female and not much of an electrician so the DIY stuff is kinda out of the question. Any help is much appreciated!

 

[sagxman]

Your best bet if you don't want to do too much DIY (although you'll probably have to do some unless you want to spend some major cash) is to get a retrofit kit and build a wooden canopy.
You can get a premade hood with MH but they start around $500+.
A retrofit kit gives you a reflector, bulb, ballast, and socket. All you have to do is house it in something.

 

[misty927]

As in a canopy...won't that get too hot??

 

[nas19320]

If you wanna skip the canopy you can get pendants and hang them over the tank.

 

[misty927]

So how much would my total wattage be with that set up...750watts!? And is PFO the brand?

 

[misty927]

Ok, so let me see if I'm understanding this right...get one dual 250 ballast...which holds two bulbs?? And then get two Mini Pendants with is as follows (website info): Reef Star Mini HQI Pendant Complete System - includes 250W 10000K double ended HQI bulb and PFO 150W HQI ballast with quick disconnect. I'm a little confused...what exactly is included. Why would you get a 250W bulb but a 150W ballast?

 

[misty927]

Wait a second...what exactly is the difference between the ballast and the pendant? Sorry...I'm a moron when it comes to this stuff!! :help:

 

[krishj39]

The pendant is the reflector and such that the bulb screws into. The ballast is the box that converts the electricity coming from your wall outlet into electricity that will light your MH bulbs. So, a dual ballast doesn't hold two bulbs, but it does have the wiring for two bulbs. And, the plan would be to go with a complete 150w setup if you didn't want to go with 250w, not some of each wattage. All of the equipment you buy should be made for one or the other.

 

[misty927]

Oooh...I see. Thanks for the explanation.

 

[calvin & hobbes]

Misty,
I just got a reply from Hikari, they will start to sell the acardia pendants within the next 45 days.

 

[fishking]

if u have enough fans, something my 6' hood doesnt have, ur hood wont overheat

 

[misty927]

Really, that soon...that's interesting to know. Experienced MH users...what are your opinions on the Arcadia MH systems?