home depot metal halides

[ajroc31]

Today I saw MH bulbs in Home Depot. They did not specify k (6,500, or 10000). They were pretty cheap, so that made me think that they may not be good enough for the tank. I am sick of paying so much for the bulbs. Please let me know if those would be ok to use on my reef tank.

 

[kingsman39]

Waterfaller, for the benefit of the uninformed...

What sort of trouble can you run into by using the less expensive type?

 

[dburr]

The HD bulbs run at about 4K-4.5K. They would be great for a refuge, but, not for a display.
The cheapest bulb i've come across is the Coralvue. 175w is $50 and the 250W is $52. They have a 400W for $54.
I've had the 175W burning for about 2 weeks and it looks great.
I can't do websites so I can't help ya there.
Dan

 

[aarone]

the ballast that home depot sells will be perfectly fine...it is cheap but it will run hot due to its outdoor use. You should always buy your bulbs from a reliable source and not a hardware store.
aaron

 

[ajroc31]

Thanks guys!...It was wishful thinking to buy a MH bulb for 29.00. I ordered Coralvue 175 bulbs, but I will have to look into upgrading to 250 w. Thanks again.

 

[trigger78]

Originally posted by waterfaller1
Well one member here will tell you yes..the rest of us will say no:thinking:
LMAO!!!!!!!

 

[dreeves]

The lower "K" rating of the lighting usually found in home improvement stores is in the wider of the spectrums...covering everything up into the yellows and reds...that end promotes algae growth.

 

[ajroc31]

I got my two 10k Coralvue MH bulbs. They are awesome! DBURR I took your advice and I am very happy to do so. The lighting is so nice and white. It really improved the look of my tank.

 

[dburr]

your welcome. For the price, you really can't beat'm.