MH debate

[jimmy g]

I have a 55 gallon reef in progress and I am thinking about upgrading my lighting to MH from pc's. The lighting I have on there now is a 260 watt coralife light.
I dont know much about MH's and I was wondering if you can help me pick out what I need.
I think I am going to go with 1-250watt and 1-175 watt bulb, I like the blue look so I dont know if thats the 10,000K or the 20,000K.
I am undecided on the ballast I am going to use (I have no idea which one I would need)
If you think anythng else should be added or if you think somthing should be changed please or taken out please post your comments
Thanks for the help,
James

 

[fishman830]

Originally posted by Jimmy G
I have a 55 gallon reef in progress and I am thinking about upgrading my lighting to MH from pc's. The lighting I have on there now is a 260 watt coralife light.
I dont know much about MH's and I was wondering if you can help me pick out what I need.
I think I am going to go with 1-250watt and 1-175 watt bulb, I like the blue look so I dont know if thats the 10,000K or the 20,000K.
I am undecided on the ballast I am going to use (I have no idea which one I would need)
If you think anythng else should be added or if you think somthing should be changed please or taken out please post your comments
Thanks for the help,
James
the blue look is in the 20k bulb now the ballasts are debated, i think i have it correct in, magnetic makes the bulb last longer, but hte electronic gives more light, but i could have that confused.....

 

[zanemoseley]

Nope Magnetics drive the bulb better. Electronics may make the bulb last longer but pretty much they just conserve energy and thus create less heat from the ballast. 20k's are the blues, you won't get the growth of 10k's but probably better coloration of your corals.

 

[van888]

I like the Coralvue 14k's. I have 2 on two 250 watt Icecap ballast's looks great. The 14k's have nice white with blue not to much and not to little.

 

[jimmy g]

van888, that sounds perfect!
Where did u buy all the equiptment u needed?
If I want to go with 1x175watt and 1x250 watt Coralvue 14k bulbs what ballast should i get ? can i run both bulbs off one ballast ?

 

[nas19320]

Why not go with a PFO dual ballast and do either dual 175s or 250's. If you want to run 2 different wattages you will need two single ballasts which will be more expensive.

 

[dburr]

Do go with the same wattage on both bulbs. It will look uneven in the tank with a 175 on one side and a 250 on the other.

 

[van888]

Jimmy G i got both ballast and a reflector with 2 mogul sockets under $300.00 And another $100.00 for the bulbs. There may be cheaper ways to go but its not some knock off brand from someone selling on that auction site. I bought from companys with respect. And if you need the sites email me and i'll let you know. my email is vanx888@netzero.net. Plus i got the satisfaction of doing it myself, the wiring and placement it's nice to do things yourself

 

[jimmy g]

I think im going with 2x 20k 250 watt bulbs over my 55. What ballast should i get? My friend has wired up MH to his and a couple of my friends tanks so he can help me out w/ the wiring.
Thanks again,
Jim

 

[van888]

I like the Icecaps they don't get real hot. My PC ballast get much more hot than these. I have them mounted under my stand and every thing stays cool.:joy:

 

[golfish]

Originally posted by Jimmy G
I think im going with 2x 20k 250 watt bulbs over my 55. What ballast should i get?
I would go with the PFO HQI ballast or the SLS Blue wave HQI ballast (same ballast) and run the SE 250 watt Radiums.

 

[jimmy g]

So I can use that one ballast for both bulbs? And if so where would I find this PFO HQI ballast ?

 

[golfish]

You can get that ballast from lots of places....try Marine Depot

 

[jimmy g]

Ok, I have a 20 gallon that I have and I want to get that set up also with MH's...Will a 175 watt Electronic PFO ballast w/ a 175 watt 14 K MH bulb-hamilton work well?
If so what else will I need?
Thanks,
Jim

 

[golfish]

You'll need a mogul socket and either a reflector or a pendant. FWIW, Not sure if you've noticed but most of the ballast come with quick disconnects. The PFO ballast has the female connector built in, you would then buy a mogul socket or pendant with the PFO style male end. You don't have to hook it up like this but it makes thing easy for some.