Need advice on lighting

[del]

I am wondering, I just today purchased 2- 175w MH balasts made by Hamilton Tech Corp with 2- 175w 10,000 german made bulbs, I am wondering if anyone has had any problems or experience with this type of lighting, was it a big electricity consummer or did it build up a lot of heat or hum, all questions I asked the LFS but was told that these were just as good as the IceCaps, only wonder cause I paid 550.00 for the 2 setups and have some sticker shock still, just question whether this was a wise purchase or not, not even sure I would need them, I currently have 2 48" corallife 50/50,2 48" daylight tubes running inside my 125g hood and all seems to be o.k., but do have some anemones that seem to shy from strong light, what is your experience or advice.

 

[mr . salty]

Although that does sound like alot of money,I garentee you will love them.There will be quite a lot of heat from both the bulbs and the ballast.But no humm....If possible you should mount the ballast below the tank,or on the wall behind the tank.And keep the bulbs as far above the water as possible....

 

[diatom]

Del~ I agree with Mr. Salty I think you'll be happy. You'll be able to keep more critters now. Really you should have 3 MH for a 6' 125 Gal tank but hey to can always add more later. Change those Flo to Actinics and you'll be a happy reefer.
Enjoy

 

[del]

Thanks for the advice, but does this mean that either of you have heard of the Hamilton Tech Corp and if so what is your take on them or the product or should I have gone for the Ice Caps instead, I read all the time how much everyone loves the Ice Caps product no heat/hum etc, I beleive that the price difference ins't that much.

 

[sonny]

Hamilton is a reputable company. The Icecap ballasts will run cooler and more efficiently, but I wouldn't worry about it. If you decide to add the third MH, buy an icecap and see if you can tell the difference. I don't think you would except for the heat. The ballasts should not be under the tank, as this will transfer heat to the tank water. Mount them either beside the tank or in a closet. Getting them away from the tank a little will help with heat.
Sonny

 

[diatom]

I happen to have IC and they are nice, but I haven't heard anything bad about Hamilton. I think you'll be happy. Good idea about trying the IC's on your next one. I think you can pick up a 175 with a 10K bulb for about 160. Of course I can't tell you were but it's out there.

 

[del]

Thanks for the info everyone, why can't we post links to some of this info, I always get good info from here but no one can direct me to the sites due to a policy, why is this???? what would it hurt to post the site. Just curious.