Ahh Yes, more lighting questions

davidsreef · 11-15-2005, 03:57 PM

Not to beat a dead horse, but I have a question about MH lighting. I have a 20 gallon soon-to-be-a-nano reef and want to run MH on it. First I was thinking 175W, but after reading all of the recent posts I think I might run 250W at 14,000K. I wish to have softies, LPS, and some SPS. What's everyone's thoughts on that? Too much light? I wanted to stay away from having PC or VHO actinics if I could, that's why I was thinking the 14,000K. Also I am not too concerned about super fast growth; for the tank is small and I wish to have a nice assortment of corals and not have any one grow too fast or big.
Thanks for all of your help in advance.
David

oyam123 · 11-15-2005, 04:01 PM

250w......DE/HQI.......14k.......would look great!

jules77 · 11-15-2005, 04:31 PM

I think your'e going to have some serious heat problems, and evaporate water too quickly. I might try to find a small T-5 kit to throw on it or a lower watt MH pendant or something. One question is whether it is a 20H, standard 20 , or long? That will make a difference on what your needs really would be IMO.

davidsreef · 11-15-2005, 04:31 PM

Thanks! Anyone have a good brand that I should buy?

jules77 · 11-15-2005, 04:48 PM

What are you leaning towards? MH or T-5? David knows more about T-5 than most. Metal Halide you would want an e-ballast and XM bulb would be good.

David Grigor · 11-15-2005, 04:50 PM

250W DE 14K would be a sweet setup for then tank. However, I too am very concerned about heat issues with such a small water volumne. Will this tank have a sump to increase the water volumne to help aid the heat issues?

oyam123 · 11-15-2005, 05:05 PM

I see people talking about old type and new type Icecap ballasts.
is buying the new type of IC ballast a better deal?
what has changed?

David Grigor · 11-15-2005, 05:45 PM

Old style, is housed in a ballast box that looks exactly like the Flourescent 430/660 boxes. They have to be tuned for specifically for Iwasaki or 10K ( and other mogul style bulbs). Can't run both without being sent it to be tuned ( free of charge ). They can be tuned to run a DE but no matter what it will have a flicker to it because of the ballast design so it is not recommended.

New style, is box is shaped entirely different. The ballast itself does run hotter then the old style. They do not need to be sent in to be tuned for specific bulbs and will run the DE without flicker.

If you were to purchase online, you will only find the new style. It has been several years now since the old style was available. You will only find the old style used.

davidsreef · 11-16-2005, 01:33 PM

My tank is 24" long, 12" deep, and 16" tall. I do not have a sump right now. I would love one, but the tank and stand aren't set up for that. Maybe in the future...
I am leaning towards MH right now. The opinion seems like the 250W would cause too much heat and I don't want to buy a chiller, so I guess I will probably have to go with the 175W in 14,000k. Sound good?

David Grigor · 11-16-2005, 01:38 PM

IMO: It's going to be a chanllenge with any MH without a sump on such a small water volumne.

If your leaning towards 175MH get a nice little 150W DE fixture instead. Fixture will allow you to raise and lower in case of heat problems.