lighting question

[NYreefNoob]

ok i am getting ready to build a canopy and thinking of getting a mh set-up, but also using my compact lighting also, i have a current 130 w with 65 w bulbs was wondering since ill be taking the case apart and just using the guts if i could use 96w bulbs since they wont extend past the reflector. or do i have to stay with the 65w ? ty rick

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

96 w bulbs need a 96 ballast I believe.

 

[NYreefNoob]

lighting

thats what i figured. im no electrician so figured id ask first, once i run the mh do i realy need the compact and if i do use it should i run just antic or still run both. looking at a 250w mh for a 65g

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Depends with MH lighting there is no morning/evening cycle it's just lights on and lights off, and depending on the bulb k rating, you may need either t5 or pc actinic lighting as a supplement. Fishtopia runs 2 20 k 250w mh bulbs in the coral tank closest to the front of the store and suplements it with 10 k pc lighting, Some people will suggest getting a 14 k bulb and using t5 lighting for actinic supplementation. You need to see what you like and then do that some people like yellow colors and use only 10 k and others like very blue and use only 20 k, plus a 65 is a very deep tank, you should check out the site use the search function and search PAR. see what guys like Cali and others say about lighting.

 

[House of Laughter]

Rick,

Likely the ballast driving those 65w bulbs won't be sufficient for the 96w bulbs.

Also, you're likely better to sell the current fixture and get a true retro kit with the same bulbs and wattage than what you have. I'ts design is to do exactly what you're looking to do and for the cost of selling your fixture, you can get a new retrofit kit.

Here is an aqualight retro kit for aroind $110

house

 

[TimberTDI]

Hey Rick,

How's it hanging? Are you going to buy the MH new? You may want to look into using two 150w instead of one 250w. You'll get a better spread over the 65.
I concur with House, you will be better off selling the fixture and hooking up a retro system.