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Metal Halides (1 Viewer)

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Guest

I have set my 80 gallon back up again. Used to have 2 -250Watt MH on it which both ballasts burnt out- they were generic. I have 4 110W VHO which I think i bought used from City Pets cause they dont seem very bright. Anyway, I am looking into buying MH setup again. I dont know if I want to go with 2 175 Icecap ballasts with HQI or those Blue dual ballasts, not sure if those can support HQI. My last question is do I want HQI or mogul bulbs? Ok, one more last question, do I want 250 Watt again or 175? Thanks for the help.

Eric
 
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G

Guest

Well the question to you, is you are saying you have nothing you can currently use that is MH?

If not and you have to start completely over, well
I think I might go with the 250.

DE or SE, well I think that SE is cheaper as far as the reflector goes.
 
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Guest

Yeah, but the DE pendant is not much more than a good spider reflector, and it's a heck of a lot brighter. Go with DE for sure if you are just starting to piece stuff together.
 
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G

Guest

Narkon, yes you are correct, I am starting totally over with the MH. I not sure what you guys mean by DE or SE.
 
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bigbird123

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MH

If you don't have glass covers on your tank, I'd use the mogul bulbs. They have UV glass covers on the bulbs and they (if it ever happens) burst, they won't drop glass into your tank. You will thank yourself for this. I bought a good dual 250 off eBay at a very good price. I also bought my 250w 20K bulbs @ >$100 w/shipping. I am very happy with them. I also have a good DIY reflector design. PM me if you are interested in the info.

Steve
 
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G

Guest

On my 29 gal, I am going with a 150W DE using premade reflector with a UV shield.
 
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G

Guest

Thanks to all of you with the info. I will have to do some thinking about it. I did like it when I had my 2 mogul 250s but I thought I would try something different with the DE bulbs. You guys didnt mention anything about the ballasts. Would you go with 2 icecaps or one of those blue dual ballasts? Thanks again.

Eric
 
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fishcraze

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I have 3 single end bulbs/ballast, and added one HQI bulb/ballast recently.. I use 250w Ushio bulb and love the crispy white of this DE bulb - even more crispy than the single end. i'd recommend the DE bulb too.

For the ballast, I use single electronic ballast for each bulb. if you use dual and the ballast is bad, you'll loss lighting for both bulbs!
Go w/ the electronic ballast, you will like it. they are cheap, very compact and light weight and produce much less heat than the magnetic types.. The e-ballasts are also more energy efficient than the magnetic ones.

For bulbs, i like the Ushio bulb for intensity, color (crispy white), and reliabilityand longer life. Adding some VHO bulbs for actinic supplement will be perfect, imo. If you like a bluer look, heard a lot good comment about the 14K bulbs recently on Reefcentral.
 
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Guest

Has anyone had any good luck with the aquasun bulbs? i have decided I will get 2 250 Watt Icecap ballasts and now need to know what type of bulbs to get. I think I am going with the 14K, but not sure what brand to get. thanks

Eric
 
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