Help with lighting questions please!!

mrstwig

mrstwig

Member
I have a 90 gallon setup that came with pc lighting, 4-48 watt actinics and 4-48 white bulbs(? unsure of anything more than that) that have a large black balast that run each group. So two balasts and 8 bulbs mounted on a reflector hood. Now, I don't have any idea of how old they might be but they probably need changed. I currently have lots of mushrooms, zoo's, leathers, etc and they are doing ok but of course I'd like to have things that require better lighting.
My big question, can I upgrade my lighting with what I have or what can I do? How would I know if my lighting is getting too old other than the growth of my livestock or bulbs actually going out? What are my options, I do not understand much about the whole lighting issues but if it's going to cost a lot to change out all of those bulbs here in time, would it be just as effective to buy better lighting before I would do that? How can I know what these ballasts will support? I am just LOST when it comes to understanding the lighting that I have and what my options are. If I were to go with MH are there some more inexpensive options? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated, I have learned so much from all the people on here and the current posts as well as all the old ones that I search for to find the answers to my questions.
Thanks everyone!! :happyfish :happyfish
 
talath

talath

Member
Metal halides take a lot of guess work out of lighting. Your reef will love them. Downside is they're quite expensive. I wish there were a less expensive means of aquiring MH lights, but short of scoring a great deal at a certain popular auction site, it's just going to take money.
You've got lots of light in your canopy now though.
 
mrstwig

mrstwig

Member
How will I know when I need to start changing bulbs and how much will that cost (changing 8 bulbs over a bit of time) vs going to halide lighting? I guess that is part of what I'm trying to research right now.
Thanks so much for the input, I really appreciate it!!
:happyfish
 
bawood

bawood

Member
Bulbs run 20-30$ a piece for 40 watts, I don't know about 48w, I haven't seen them.
96w run 30-40
I wouldn't recommend replacing all as once as it can cause a jump in light output and adds up fast!
For a 90 gallon you'll likely need at least two MH fixtures, you'll be looking at a minimum of 400$ probably to get the lighting you'll need, if not more. That's for the basic fixture/bulbs.
The Mh would be superior and eliminate the guess work of wattages some. However if you have a hood already you'll have to heavily modify or start over from scratch(more $), or go to a hanging pendant.
Also mh have the heat issue, and you'll likely have to run pcs or VHOs to supplement the spectrum to get the color most people prefer(i.e. add some actinics blue).
If you have the option Mh are the way to go, but they do add a lot of costs.
 
sdsupilot

sdsupilot

New Member
I would recommend mh lighting because then you will not have to worry about upgrading... it may cost more to start with but you wont have to worry about it. i bought an odyssea 48" dual mh setup with dual 96watt compact and 6 led moonlights. i love the light and i got it from a local fish store for $375 which is a pretty good deal. i would recommend these lights... i have had good luck with them so far but some ppl have not. but for that price i think they are pretty hard to beat.
 
tonyj

tonyj

Member
Originally Posted by sdsupilot
I would recommend mh lighting because then you will not have to worry about upgrading... it may cost more to start with but you wont have to worry about it. i bought an odyssea 48" dual mh setup with dual 96watt compact and 6 led moonlights. i love the light and i got it from a local fish store for $375 which is a pretty good deal. i would recommend these lights... i have had good luck with them so far but some ppl have not. but for that price i think they are pretty hard to beat.
I have seen these Odyssea lights all over ----... anyone have any feedback on them? I bought a Jebo/Odyssea cannister filter and I LOVE IT. I was considering purchasing this MH fixture as it is pretty cost-effective, and... well... ok.. that is my only real reason. Any feedback??
 
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