MH info.

[Manofathousandpolyps]

I will be getting a 250w MH ballast from another reefs.org member in a couple weeks. I dont really know much about these. Im not sure if it matters but I have a 65g AGA. 36x20x18 I believe

Are there any good sites on these?

Wiil one ballast run two lights or will I need another ballast? I definatly want two bulbs so I can avoid the center brace shadow.

What temp bulbs should I use? I want to find one somewhere in the middle. Not too white, yellow, or blue.

Where is a good place to buy bulbs, and fixtures? I havnt decided If I want to go with a hood or pendant type fixtures. Im leaning toward a hanging fixture so I dont Have a bunch of crap gettin in the way.

Any help I get would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Nate

[ April 08, 2002: Message edited by: Manofathousandpolyps ]</p>

 

[speck]

HI

I think most MH ballasts only run one light. The owner could probably tell you for sure.

HERE is a good site with some general MH info (hard ware).

THIS site has spectral comparisons of different bulbs run on different ballasts.

HTH

 

[GKL]

one ballast to each bulb, although the enclosure may have more than one ballast. Bulb preferance is up to you, depending on what you are looking for in color, etc. I prefer the Iwasaki bulbs with a touch of actinic. This seems to be a common combo and my stuff grows like weeds under these. Marine Depot and Premium Aquatics is a good place to start.

 

[Modo]

Polyps-

Do a search usuing MH comparison, Metal Halide comparison, etc.... It will turn up a lot of good threads.

Here is a link that might also be helpful.
http://www.marinedepot.com/a_lt_mh_bulb_info.asp?CartId=

Keep in mind these pics are without actinic supplementation. The Iwasakis are yellowish without it.

I am currently running the 6500K Iwasaki with 2 NO flourescent actinics. I really like this setup but have been thinking of going with 2 VHO as supplementation. I do like the more blue look of higher Kelvin bulbs but the intensity is not there for me.

It really depends on taste and what look you are trying for. The more blue bulbs look like deeper water and the 6500k bulbs look like shallower water.

[ April 09, 2002: Message edited by: Modo ]</p>

 

[Manofathousandpolyps]

Will a pair of 250watters be too much for a 65 or not?

 

[Modo]

I wouldn't say so at all. You might have to watch your water temp is all. I am currently running a 250w Iwasaki on a 29g. I have 2 4" fans that blow across the water's suface. I am just using one right now but in the summer I kick both on. My temp stays between 78-82.

If you have some lower light corals you can adjust your LR to make shady overhangs, crevices and caves.

Just a note....if/when you install fans blow them across the water and not the bulb. The evaporation of water is what cools your tank. Who cares how hot the bulb is.

 

[Manofathousandpolyps]

Thanks alot for the help guys. Much appreciated.