Time to replace bulbs...but upgrade?

mhudzinski · 12-29-2004, 07:21 PM

Well, I currently have a 4x96w pc system in the hood above my 65gallon. The tank is 48l x 15d x 20h. I need to get some new bulbs for the tank, and have decided to throw out a lighting upgrade as an option. I'm thinking of going with Metal Halides and supplements. I'm looking for a good blend of growth and coloration, but I would say the coloration and flourescence is worth more to me than exponential growth rates. I currently house no SPS, but might go that way if my lighting could support it. What would you recommend?

Also, what is a good source for these things?

Illusion · 12-29-2004, 07:32 PM

2x250w 10k bulbs with 2x110w Vho bulbs look real nice on a tank that size...

James

Realtor-Nikki · 12-29-2004, 07:48 PM

I don't pay attention to the specifics, but Thriving Discus in Beaverton has a 'slightly used' saltwater/coral lighting setup (bulbs included) they're selling... specificially for a 4' tank. He's asking $300. Might be worth a call. Might not.

kayaker97321 · 12-29-2004, 09:58 PM

I am with James on this one. Except you already have 96W PC's why not replace the PC's with some 03 atinitic and add 2 x 250watt 10K's..

Tyler

Big Dave · 12-30-2004, 04:37 AM

I think you'd be fine with 175W, BUT, with the 250W's you would be able to keep any SPS, clams, etc. Not a huge difference in price but the 250W's might come in handy if you upgrade to a bigger tank (like we ALWAYS do!!) HTH

-Big Dave

Illusion · 12-30-2004, 04:48 AM

One of the Only reasons I suggested the 250w bulbs is because SW habit is addicting... Its about Inevitable that you will upgrade eventually... The 250w will server nicely on the tank and have plenty of room to upgrade... For the few $$$ that 250w bulbs are over the 175w bulbs you would almost be crazy not too.. No Offense Dave... The downfalls to the 250w bulbs is they do run hotter but that can be taken care of... Also they pull a bit more Electricity... I ran 2x250w bulbs on my 55g tank with 2x55w PCs then went to 2x110w Vho... The Vho was soo much better thats Why I suggested them... Its all a matter of what you are willing to do... If you are ok and set on never upgrading then get the 175w bulbs or If you dont mine trying to sell them or keeping a 300+ $ setup and getting bigger bulbs later when/If you upgrade go for it... If you follow the Hobby trend and want to save the $$$ down the road get the 250w... Odds are like Dave said you will upgrade and Kick yourself for buying the 175w setup..

James

wanareef · 12-30-2004, 06:54 AM

Then there are those that just have 175w's over their 200 gal and everything is just growing like crazy - (RC)

I'm with James on the 250w's - will light most tanks, till you go deeper than 24" then it's the 400w's. Checkout the post on 250w look alike I posted.

Krux · 12-30-2004, 10:09 PM

yeah personally i would see what these ac clones look like and then possibly go with them. if the order can wait a few weeks i am going to get some and then you can check em out in pics of my tank, if not you can see them in someone elses tank while i wait for mine

mhudzinski · 12-30-2004, 10:35 PM

Well, my 10k pc bulbs both bit it yesterday, so I'm running on 192w's of actinic fury at the moment. I don't know how detrimental that is, but I'm guessing it can't be too good.

Court Jester · 12-30-2004, 11:10 PM

I'd suggest you consider a double-ended system over mogal's - it's a more efficient reflector design design for the heat generation and Amp usage. On a long term basis, I'd agree with the others that 2x250w is the way to go in case you decide to change what you stock in the tank - the only question is whether your tank can take the additional heat (you may find you need to add a chiller) and your wallet can take the additional cost in power consumption.

A good middle ground might be a 2x150w DE setup - you may be able to get away without a chiller and there is a good selection of bulbs at various kelvin ratings (10k, 13k, 14.5k, 20k) to get the "look" you want. Plus you'll still be able to keep whatever you want in your tank - clams, sps, etc. would all do well under this lighting given that you're tank isn't too deep.

Acrylics · 12-31-2004, 01:44 AM

Howdy neighbor,

I'd agree with the rest on going with 2 x 150DE or 2 x 250DE (10,000K) plus the PC blues and you'd have something that would have ebough light for *just about* anything and something to grow with as well should you wish to do so. I'd go with the DE bulbs as your tank is not the deep (front - back) and the DE bulbs just take up less space which is valuable real estate up there. Plus, it's been my experience that DE bulbs simply last longer.

What temp does your tank generally run at during the summer? have AC at home? If your tank runs cool and/or you have AC - I'd opt for the 250s but if your tank runs warm and you don't have AC, then maybe the 150s unless you also want to invest in the chiller as well.

I dont know where to source these things out at, when I actually kept tanks I knew - but alas not anymore

James