Someone tell me if this is a good deal

kyarnkid

kyarnkid

Member
I found this deal at hellolights.com. I want to know if it sounds like a good deal.
It is for a
Metal Halide/Flourescent VHO Retrofit system
Description
* Retrofits your existing canopy.
* Reflector 10" wide x 4" high.
* BJB waterproof endcaps.
* Polished Aluminum Reflector
* Enclosed remote ballasts w/15' cords.
* Seperate control for halides and fluorescents.
* Metal Halide Upgrade to 6500K, 10,000K or 20,000K.
* All lamps included.
* 3-4 days to ship.
Ok my questions are
What are the reflectors?
The VHOs are actinic? Will this give my tank a bright blue color?
Whats the difference in 6500K, 10,000K, and 20,000K?
do I have to nail this into my tank canopy or can I buy a ballast for this?
I have hang on the back filters will they get in the way?
Sorry for all the questions guys, just let me know something?
 
luke

luke

Member
Let me see if I can answer these one at a time:
Reflectors: Just a sheet of polished metal to reflect the light that hits the top of the canopy back toward the tank. This makes your lights more efficient. They can be mirror like (best), metal, or white.
Actinic VHOs will give your tank a very blue color. Actinics are not like royal blue, they are almost like a sky blue black light. They look wierd at first but you get used to it. Underwater photos with the lights off look like actinics lights.
6500K: Yellowish white light
10,000K: Perfect white
20,000K: Bluish white
I would get the 10,000K bulbs with the actinics. The net affect will be 2000K look. Beyand that will be far to blue.
Canopy: Yes you would nail this into your canopy (or screw it). It won't hurt anything. Do you have enough room in your canopy for MHs?? You need at least 10"... better yet 12".
Hang on Filters: They should not get in the way, if your canopy is tall enough.
Advice from me: I would say (depending on size) this will be a great light setup. MH, in my opinion are much better looking than Fluorescents alone. MHs shimmer in the water, which I find amazing. I would say this is the ideal setup for a reef tank (IMO). Many will disagree, but I would do it. Also make sure you have the canopy room, if not get a new canopy, you will be happier in the end.
Luke
 
miner

miner

Member
Or can You hang them?? I have mine that way, and I love it !! Nothing is ever in your way. Sounds like a excellent set-up. Lucky You :)
 
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