getting a set of halides today

[reefkprz]

I'm stoked, I am getting a set of 2x250w metal halides today. I am soo excited. I moved some fish tanks a while back and the guy promised me a set when he got some different lights. well he got his lights now I am getting my set. I am half debating setting them up on my 75g to see how they look. hmmmm. I'll probably do that temporarily just to see. hmm now the question is what kind of bulb do I want to get? not really a question, I know what I want but cant have it. pheonix doesnt make a 14k mogul base.

 

[reefkprz]

the halides are now on my 75g, kinnerson provided some new bulbs (thanks) and I moved my VHO over to the 65g, the pile of PC lights in the chair is the 576w of PC that was on the 65g. hopefully the watt reduction of using the VHOs instead of the PCs will compensate a bit for the extra juice of the halides. here is a color comparison photo (yes its blurry) but its just to show the color difference between 14k halides and 10k and dual daylight VHOs. gotta say I am loving the new blue look.

 

[wangotango]

Look into the Aquaconnects, the PAR seems pretty good compared to other 14k lamps out there. Not sure how the color compares to the Phoenix though.
-Justin

 

[wattsupdoc]

You never stated what ballast you have. That will have a factor in what bulbs to get.

 

[reefkprz]

two HQBJ-250LTC-C ballasts (one per bulb) magnetic (I'm assuming they are magnetic they are HUGE and heavy)
(its the hamilton 2x250 set up)

 

[reefkprz]

right now the bulbs are Blue life South Pacific Sunlight 14k I like the look but I am thinking I may go to 12k to get more par out of the bulbs and simulate a shallower reef