Help MH retrofit

[rfc]

Hi,

I am currently making a canopy for my 29G and I am debating whether or not to go metal halide. At this point in time I use a current-usa orbit PC setup with three bulbs giving me 195w.

I know absolutely nothing about metal halides so your recommendations would be great

I was thinking to purchase a retrofit MH system...what wattage, bulb temp, electronic vs magnetic ballast ?

And I can take apart my PC lighting setup and add it to the canopy....what parts 1 or 2 bulbs ?

My tank except for a small porite is all LPS/softies. My corals as well as my crocea clam are doing fine with my PC setup.


So guys......what should I buy?

Thanks in advance


RFC

 

[heuerfan]

You should get a 150 watt Double Ended bulb with an 150 watt electronic ballast made by Aromat. You can easily fit this in the middle of your fixture. I have the same fixture with 2x70 watts and upgrading to 2x150.

All the parts can be purchased here,
http://www.hellolights.com/

or here,

http://www.illuming.com/

Good luck and have fun

Forgot to mention you could always go with one 70 watt instead but if you plan on SPS better to have 150.

 

[Deanos]

And I can take apart my PC lighting setup and add it to the canopy....what parts 1 or 2 bulbs ?

The heat generated by a metal halide bulb will probably do serious damage to a PC fixture.

 

[heuerfan]

The heat generated by a metal halide bulb will probably do serious damage to a PC fixture.

Nope i disagree, unless you are using 250 DE maybe, but have no problems with 2x70 watt and know lots of people that do the same with 2x150 in the current orbit fixtures.

Here's an example of what i'm suggesting you do
http://reef.jimsflies.com/lights.php

Forgot to mention, nice tank by the way

 

[rfc]

Thanks for the responses. I think I am using the wrong term retrofit. I want to add a separate MH fixture to my canopy and then take a couple of the PC bulbs from my orbit and add those too the the canopy. Not sure what type of MH to purchase.

Sorry about my failure to explain things properly.


Regards

RFC

 

[bad coffee]

I have a Reef OptixIII 150w pendant sitting here. All you need is a ballast and bulb. I"d sell it for $90.

And I would go with either the aromat or an icecap electronic ballast.

Here's an idea. sell your current fixture and use the money to get either a T5 retro or seperate PC parts. You could probably tear it apart and use the parts. It depends though. I have a 2x96w pc fixture that the ballast is epoxyed into the case. I can't really tear it apart.

B

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Epoxy Remover:

Mini epoxy remover

:lol2:

 

[bad coffee]

Not worth the chance splitting the ballast when I can buy a new one for $18. (Less than full size 'Remover' posted above.)

B