Need MH Lighting Help...

[jd_75g]

My 180G has arrived, so need to figure out lighting. I've decided on 250W MH, but need to figure out if I should go with a complete retro kit (3 250W MH, Actinics, moonlights) or piece these together individually (DIY style).
Suggestions? Would like to stay below $800 if possible. I've seen a few complete kits (particularly from Hamilton) priced at $700, but wondering if I would be better off buying individual reflectors.

 

[wangotango]

A DIY retro would be a lot cheaper than a fully-assembled fixture, but I think it's going to be close to $800.
(3) 250w would work well.
-Justin

 

[jd_75g]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/3034089
A DIY retro would be a lot cheaper than a fully-assembled fixture, but I think it's going to be close to $800.
(3) 250w would work well.
-Justin
Any suggestions on which reflectors to go with? I've seen lots of sizes and brands. Each reflector needs its own ballast, right?

 

[wangotango]

The Lumenarc and Lumenbright reflectors are the best out there in terms of light distribution.
Yes, each bulb will need its own ballast. So you will need (3) bulbs, (3) reflectors, and (3) ballasts.
-Justin

 

[jd_75g]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/3034627
The Lumenarc and Lumenbright reflectors are the best out there in terms of light distribution.
Yes, each bulb will need its own ballast. So you will need (3) bulbs, (3) reflectors, and (3) ballasts.
-Justin
Thanks! One more question...suggestion on bulbs? HQI vs Mogul, brand, 14k vs 25k, etc.

 

[natclanwy]

I prefer using moguls on DIY fixtures because you don't need to provide a enclosure to mount a glass lens in, DE bulbs need to have a UV filter between the bulb and the tank (piece of glass).
The color temperature is totally up to how you want the tank to look, 10k is white and as you increase in temp the color becomes more blue. I prefer 14k but recently upgraded to 20k radium bulbs and really like them they are not extremely blue but are slightly more blue than most 14k's. Atinics aren't needed if you use a 14k or higher bulb unless you want to use them for sunset/sunrise effect.

 

[culp]

my LFS uses 15K and i really like the color on them.

 

[jd_75g]

Originally Posted by natclanwy
http:///forum/post/3035086
I prefer using moguls on DIY fixtures because you don't need to provide a enclosure to mount a glass lens in, DE bulbs need to have a UV filter between the bulb and the tank (piece of glass).
The color temperature is totally up to how you want the tank to look, 10k is white and as you increase in temp the color becomes more blue. I prefer 14k but recently upgraded to 20k radium bulbs and really like them they are not extremely blue but are slightly more blue than most 14k's. Atinics aren't needed if you use a 14k or higher bulb unless you want to use them for sunset/sunrise effect.
Thanks! Glad you mentioned that...will definitely go with moguls.
Originally Posted by Culp
http:///forum/post/3035115
my LFS uses 15K and i really like the color on them.
Thanks!