understanding halides

[smileyman]

I am debating wether or not to get halides, but just want to clear something up. If you have 175 watts in say PCs or VHOs, would that be the same as having one 175 watt halide bulb? Given that they are all the same k. Would it be better to add more PCs or VHOs because they are cheaper or replace them with halides? Is there something about the halide bulb that makes them superior to VHOs or PCs even if you have the same wattage of both? Might be a stupid question, but when I just wanted to be sure if i put the money down for halides.

 

[kdlbem]

Hey Smiley.
I'm in the same situation. I have 220 watts PC, and am debating whether or not to go halide or more pc's. I'll probably just go PC to keep the heat down.
Where do you shop in Portland? I get up that way a couple of times a month. I was just at seahorse aquarium supply yesterday, but really didn't see anything that caught my eye(except a beautiful potters angel, but I don't have a QT set up right now ) Nice to see another Oregonian on the board.
B

 

[q]

I live in the corner of the state. Milton-Freewater.
KDLBEM where you from.
Halides have a focal point which then allows you to get a shimmer off the water. Aside from astetics you also get better penitration form the higher intensity. Although I don't know what adding more light does to the stauration point but going halides is considered an upgrade by most.

 

[sonny]

The real downside to halides is the heat. There is, however, not any type of light that can give you the intensity you get from MH in the same small space. Another thing you might consider is cost. While you may think it is cheaper to go with all PC or VHO, once you get a lot of lamps, then it will cost you so much to change your lamps. If you have 4 tubes of VHO, you will need to replace them at least once a year (that's the recommendation anyway), but multiply by 4. If they are $30 each (they can be expensive to ship), that's $120. With halides, you generally need one lamp per 2 feet of tank. On a 75 gallon, that's 2 bulbs. If those are $60 each, that's also $120. It depends on what lamp you buy, and wattage, but you should add up the total cost of re-lamping. If it's about the same, as in my example, go with what you have. It really comes out cheaper when you have a large tank. That's because you can use higher wattage MH's as opposed to a bunch of VHO's. The halides really penetrate better in a deep tank. It's really subjective, in other words, you have to decide what's best for you.
Sonny

 

[smileyman]

So aside from the heat, halides give better penetration and lighting intensity. Does that mean, a clam will get better and more light from a 175watt halide than 175 watts of PCs or VHOs placed in an aquarium less than 24" deep?
KDLBEM, I shop at Upscales in tualatin and just recently discovered THE LFS of LFSs in portland off of Powell blvd called Souta's saltwater and reef. I also go to waves marine aquaria in lake osweego, they have some good selection, but i think souta's has better prices.

 

[ironreef]

most all your corals will like the halide better when properly acclimated to the light.clams definatly love halides better

 

[kdlbem]

Plato, I'm in Eugene. There's a few webfoots here
Smiley, I've been to Soutas, nice store. I've been meaning to get over to Waves, and see what that store is like. Wasn't really impressed with upscales(seemed rather pricey), except the show tank..... OH, MAN!!!!! That thing's INCREDIBLE!
So bottom line: 110 watts more pc=around $175
500 watts MH DIY=around $200
are the halides going to cook my softies and LPS's? The halides seem like the no brainer, but I worry about the current inhabitants getting too much light. But I would also like to keep clams and SPS. AAAARRRGGGHH
B
[ October 11, 2001: Message edited by: KDLBEM ]

 

[smileyman]

Current Lighting:
2 3 foot vho actinics
2 24" 55 watt 10k PCs ( bought 55s because i wasn't sure 36" would fit my canopy, turns out they do)
total= 302watts
This is what I am leaning towards:
Keep the 2 vhos
Add 250watt 6500k MH
total= 442watts
Would 250watts be too much for a 55gal? Should i go with the 175watt instead?