Here's a biggie! (MH Lighting Q)

[Ben1]

What about the 20k bulbs, Dr. Mac use's these soly and has great sps color and growth. It would be a nice blue IMO.

 

[HARRISON]

10k

 

[newreefman1]

12k HQI 150 watt is perfect. HAd it on my 29 a while back and it was beautiful. Could grow anything with it. Of course if you like 250 watts is always better. Can't have enough lighting but the HQI bulbs are just SUPERB.

If you havent picked out your lighting yet, there are retro fits as well as pendants. Im partial to hanging fixtures for some reason. I think im too lazy to open and close a canopy . heheh.


I guarantee youll be more than pleased if you go HQI.

Jason.

[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: newreefman1 ]</p>

 

[Andrew_Adrian]

I would like to hear about everyone's opinion on the kelvin and wattage to use on a 29 gal reef tank with clams and sps corals, I would like to have great looking corals/clams and a good look for my tank (corals and clams looking good is my first priority though).
250watt 6500kelvin iwasaki or 250watt 10000 kelvin hamilton bulb
I cannot add any supplemental lighting.

I have been debating on this topic for at least 2 months now and am getting impatient. Any opinions wil be considered.

 

[Jeff Hood]

go with the 10000K if its your only light. The 6500s will look like crap. Too yellow by them selves.

Jeff

 

[mariner]

10000k's or even the 12000k's are nice if you like a little more blue. The 12k's will give you the deep blue sea look.

 

[DeathWish302]

Why can't you add supplement?: $ or room? If it's room, you can do it.

For clams,(sorry guys) you SHOULD use 6500 K. This gives the most PAR. Why does everyone spend so much time on color factor? Supplement and get it over with. If you don't have the funds or room (which i think Adrew_Adrian does with planning) go w/ 250 watt HQI DIY. It's a little more expensive, but gives the best look i've seen so far. I'd never buy a bulk that wasn't 6500K.

Just my $0.02,
DW302

Oh, if your interested in the DIY HQI there is a lengthy thread concerning it at reefcentral.

 

[Andrew_Adrian]

Tanks for the info! I think ill go with the 10k 250watt on the 29.
DW its the $$! im 13 without a job and just getting what i have to have for my corals/clams to THRIVE (NOT JUST SURVIVE). I do have a 36watt pc bulb that I will add to the MH.


Now! i need help building/designing the canopy!
Any help???

 

[THillson]

Go with the 250W 10K HQI, you won't need to add any actinic, these bulbs are almost as bright as a non-HQI 400W. Color rendition is good and they come in their own housing (at least the ones from PFO do).

Stay away from the 20K, ya they make corals look good but you need to replace them every six months. Your corals may not glow, but they will grow better using 10 or 65K bulbs.

 

[suckair]

I agree about HQI lamps.. wow.. why did I decide not to go with in the first place is beyond reason.. I guess not many people were using them two years ago except Germans.

I have 250w german HQI's on IceCaps..Is a awsome lamp!

Randall