Help with MH lighting

by **gdeeber** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:30 pm

Does anyone have an opinion on what type or brand of ballast I should use for metal halide lights? I am going to upgrade my lights from PC to metal halide. I have been looking at pre built (hoods) like Current USA Outer Orbit or something similar, but the coast is very high and I would like to save money where ever possible. I have a 55 gal (48”x12”x19”) tank now and would like to upgrade to a 120 gal tank (48”x24”x24”) at a later date so I would like to use these lights on the 55 now and then transfer them to the 120 gal later. I was looking at dual 250 W 10,000K MH lights but from what I have read that may be too much for the 55 gal tank with some of the soft corals that I have (Mushrooms, Colony Polyps, Star Polyps, Candy Cane, Brain coral). I will probably get dual 150 W 10,000K lights but would like to know if you guys thought 150 W would be to weak for 120 gal tank? I would appreciate any help you guys could give me.

by **fihsboy** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:11 am

Yes.......150=too weak for a 120. They arent strong enough to reach the bottom. BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can always just buy the 150 for now......and some brands offer an upgrade kit to boost it to a 250.....My buddies 125 has two 400's over it....

by **puffedupseagull** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:02 am

these are the style i use, get them second hand, from a shop fit out or off ebay. they are usually used in shop fronts for display. Mine are 150w four over my 5 footer just screw them to a batten and screw into hood or hang up.
i have given u a link in case ur not sure of what i mean.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-x-150-W-Metal- ... 240%3A1318

by **gdeeber** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 3:23 pm

Thanks Puffed. I have been looking on ebay for something cheaper than store bought. Just did not know what brand of ballast were good or if there is a difference. Thank you for your reply fishboy, I think I will go with 175W or 250W bulbs.

by **fihsboy** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:25 pm

Ive just heard after 22 inches of depth metal halide doesnt reach as well. I dont know how true that is....But it sounds about right....

by **fihsboy** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:10 am

http://www.insidesun.com/64ee65df356038 ... 151dd.item

BALLIN fixture....electronic ballast......EVERYTHING needed to start...Just get a wood hood with some fans ......BAM. one AMAZING light fixture. I use a 5 inch T5 for a moon light.....puts off a nice light blue tanish color in my tank.....I tinted the plastic cover with a blue sharpie......Works like a charm and it cost me 6 bucks. :) I like the tech tank look like you do.....But you can fit more in a custom wood hood. By the way........thats enough to upgrade to a 120......by far. They have 250's for much cheaper. :)

This is one hell of a deal as well.....You can always chop the reflector to make it fit your tank......

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hamilton-60-retro-l ... 7C294%3A50

by **gdeeber** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:51 am

Thanks for the links fihsboy. That first link (insidesun) seem too good to be true. Brand new for that kind of money?

by **fihsboy** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:53 am

with bulb ballast and reflector.... Its crazy cheep. But its not name brand........They do back it though....and on top of that they have good reviews online....I havent bought anything from there.......but I will be buying 2 250's from them total cost.....300. Sounds amazing to me.

Help with MH lighting

8 posts