Feelings on this lighting system?

crt81

crt81

Member
I'm thinking about purchasing a Hamilton Retrofit kit.
It is a total of 592 watts
1 -MH 400 watt bulb
2- 96 watt PC bulbs
Does anyone have this lighting system or has anyone heard if this lighting system- is it a good one?
It will go over a 65 or 70 gallon reef tank that will house a few clams, some SPS corals, and any other coral I choose.
I really want to know if it's good because it isn't cheap and I don't want to regret the purchase!
 
crt81

crt81

Member
Originally Posted by Katz
I have Hamilton and have had no issues with the system.
What bulb do you use- 10K or 14K?
Does it heat up your tank fast/ alot?
Do you have just 2 fans in the canopy?
 
reefforbrains

reefforbrains

Active Member
Originally Posted by coachKLM
a 250w will work just fine.
I agree that a single 400 is a beast for heat. Is the tank a tall tank or standard length?
If a tall then a single might be the way to go, but what about the center brace on the tank? Make sure it doesnt get in the way.
If its a standard tank, then I would think a dual MH fixture would be better suited.
Either way your system is configured, dont let the horsepower make you gaga about it. The jump between a Dual 175w, a 250w and a 400w is a considerable jump in heat, also potentially an unessessary extra monthy cost on the electricity bill.
 
aaron7405

aaron7405

Member
Im agree to, about to use a dual lamp, one lamp will not make it on a tank this big. Will be living a dark area. Beside 250 will be good enought
 
crt81

crt81

Member
So if I use two 250 watt MH and I was looking at the Nova T5 - 78 watt system for atinics will that do?
Remember I want to do clams, SPS corals the most!
 
coachklm

coachklm

Active Member
at optimal spectrum height your single mogul based bulb will have 24" of coverage, so two 175w would cover the 36" with no dark areas. 250s would be overkill on heat and electricity.
 
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