400 watt ballast use

[nitronik]

I just inherited a 75 gallon acrylic tank, stand and filtration setup. My friend moved and disassembled his salt tank. I want to make it a reef tank. I have MANY questions.... the first one being this... I have a 400 watt Metal Halide lamp and ballast from my "hydroponic daze". The ballast is a standalone unit and could be placed under the tank (has long power cables to it and from it to lamp holder. Can I "split" the output to 2 smaller bulbs? Or run 1 250? I suspect a 400 watt bulb will be 2 much for a 75 gallon tank.

Any suggestions?

 

[Anonymous]

No, you can't split it up. The ballast is only made to operate one 400 watt lamp.

I don't think 400 is to much for a 75. The determining factor will be tank temperature. Will you be using a chiller?

Louey

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree with Louey. Depending on what you want to keep 400 watters might be fine. My only concern would be tank temps as Louey mentioned, and having those lamps over an acrylic tank. I'd be concerned about heating up top braces, etc.

 

[nitronik]

Thanks for the replies! I will not be using a chiller... so I think to begin with I will just go with a salt water fish and no reef.... THat way I can ease into having an aquarium and by the time i get to where I am ready for a reef tank i'll be better equiped financial as well as become more knowledgeable.

 

[Anonymous]

For a fish only systems there is no reason to have powerfull lighting. I would just go with normal output fluorescents.

Louey