lighting q's

deathmatch782 · 05-30-2006, 01:01 PM

I have a 2- 150W MH and 2- 96W PC Odyssea unit currently on my 75 gal.
I dont really like the look of it, plus I have a canopy that came with the tank which I would like to use.

So I want to upgrade to something more powerfull. I'm thinking 2 -250's with 2 -VHO suppliment.
Is it better to go with HQI or Mogul based MH?
What do I all need for a retro to put inside my canopy?

FastFish720 · 05-30-2006, 01:23 PM

Typical Retro Setup includes:
MH:
Ballast - I recommend IC250 Electronic
Bulb - Really your choice when its all said and done
Reflector - Luminarcs are popular for SE bulbs, assuming that it fits in your canopy
Misc - Power Cord, wires, connectors, screws, brackets etc for mounting

VHO:
Ballast: IC660 or 430, I would spend the extra and get the 660 for later upgrades etc.
Bulbs: URI Super Actinic have been the standard
Misc: End Caps, Stand Offs, and Wires, Powercord

It really depends on your preference for SE or DE setup. I have ran both and personally prefer DE, but I might opt for SE if I was using the luminarcs or was keeping more of a mixed reef. I think you have a better selection of bulbs with SE, but if you really like the Phoenix 14k bulbs then go DE because they are cheap and have reasonably good PAR. Also if you want a DE setup I would recommend purchasing from "Ocean Encounters" I believe they are a TRT sponsor. Best prices I've seen, and I've helped others purchase setups from them. They have a really good DE setup by EVC that has everything you need to get going. Also has good reflector options.

David Grigor · 05-30-2006, 01:35 PM

On a 75g, DE would be fine. My experience with DE though is the light is a bit more focused with less spread. When your talking larger or wider tanks, this means it requires more bulbs.

GranTurismo Racer · 05-30-2006, 01:54 PM

i have two single ended XM 250 15K with two super atinics and all of my stuff does really good.

deathmatch782 · 05-30-2006, 02:01 PM

Would it be possible to
get 2 higher wattage DE bulbs and a ballast that will handle them and to wire the bulbs to the ballast, while still leaving my PC and moonlights attached to their current ballast?
This would be a much more affordable option for me at the moment.
Otherwise I'll just stick with the unit for now since I dont have the money to buy a new lighting setup

mattb · 05-30-2006, 02:13 PM

I've got 3 X 250 watt DEs over a 120. I've used SRs as well, but find that the DEs put out more light, unless you're using Iwasaki 6500, which are **** bright, but many feel too yellow. I went with Hamilton, they've got a great setup, pm me know if you want to know more about my setup, sps/clams are doing great. Though I elected to go with T5s over VHOs, they look nice. They're actinics so I don't think it matters much T5/VHO...

Anything's possible, depends on how handy you are (or your friends are).

FastFish720 · 05-30-2006, 02:14 PM

That would be very do-able, but it will take some effort on your part. Also make sure that you are comfortable doing the wiring because you will need to do some wire cutting.

David Grigor · 05-30-2006, 02:33 PM

Oddysea is a cheap china made fixtures. I personally wouldn't trust attempting to retrofit it with higher wattage and hotter running bulbs.

oyam123 · 05-30-2006, 03:43 PM

dont mess with the light......the bulbs are the ones that were in it from (sizzl)...from your last photos it just looked like the (side to side) spread of light was limited....it may do better with better quality bulbs....try that when its time to change out your MH. I was also going to make the 96W 10k x2....it seems to blue for me.
or just sell it and try something new......
do you have any new photos with the light on?canopy
Also, how tall is the canopy?....it better be tall for the MH's