Need Advice

[thinhvu]

I plan to install one MH 250w-sunburst with 2 NO actinic(30w x 2)in my diy canopy( going to build it 12 inches high from water surface). My tank is 55 or 58g (36L-19d-18w)with 2-3 sand bed and 100 lbs live rock. And I am wondering that is it enought for sps and clams? if so, how to hang MH vertically or horizontally? if not, please give me suggestions. i do appriciate any opinion. Thank you.

 

[Mouse]

I have heard bad things about the sunburst bulbs, heres what was said.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr> All,
I bought one of these back when they were first introduced a couple of years back. I noticed a sharp decline in coral growth and health after installing it. I switched from a 20KK Radium bulb.

Have these bulbs improved at all? Many other reefers were having the same problem as I did when these bulbs first came out. It was too bad they had problems, since the color was fantastic.

--------------------

-Chris George

<hr></blockquote>

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

I'm currently on my third set. There is a good comparative article in the Marine 2002 annual, worth reading. I'll be swapping out two of my three MH bulbs for 10kk Aqualines, given the extreme difference in PAR. I will just hope they are not the crap yellow/green I found with the 10kk Ushios (250w).

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

As Emily said, the PAR is horrid and the lifespan AFAIK has not improved much if it all. I would avoid them like the plague. If you want the really blue look stick with the radiums or the 14K Belgians.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

Sounds like the Sunburst bulbs are exactly the same as they were then. Bummer

Basically the feeling seemed to be that the bulbs burned out very early producing a yellow tinge to the light. Not very pleasing to the eye.

Id go with the AB Aqualine 10k bulbs and the HQI double ended ones if you can afford it.

 

[thinhvu]

Thanks for all replies. I favor in blue look of the tank that is why to pick sunburst. David, you said any thing intensive light would go to the middle. This would be perfect for me now. i have several LPS and soft need to lower if MH installed.how about clam at the bottom? what do you think?

 

[31-2c]

I think you need some more sand. 4" is a minimum in my opinion.

Since your tank is 3 feet long, be prepared to have less light on the ends of your tank. One MH light is usually good for 2 feet of tank. I would at least use some PC's or VHO for supplements on the ends.

Sounds like you have the canopy idea about right. If the canopy is 12 inches tall, that would put your MH bulb about 8 or 9 inches above the water.

if you use the lighting you describe, you would have just over 5 watts per gallon, which I believe would be ok for just about anything. Keep in mind that anything that requires intense light will have to go in the middle of your tank.

David

 

[31-2c]

I do not have any clams, but from what I do know, I would think a clam would do fine there.

Someone will speak up if I am wrong

David


By the way, If you didn't notice, this was posted twice. There are other replies on the other post

[ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: 31-2c ]</p>

 

[Jeff Southernwood]

I would stay away from the sunburst. There are several places that I heard won't sell them because of problems with them. If you want a blue color go with a 10K or a 14K European bulb.