HQI Lighting Upgrade Questions.

[balakoth]

Well Tax time is around the corner, and with it will come a new Hanging Aquaspace Dual 250 Watt HQI system that I plan to purchase.

Im curious about the need for actinics. Or is it again a personal choice on how I feel with the look?

I have not yet seen HQIs compared next to a 400 or 250 watt MH on a standard Tar Ballast, but if any has comparision pictures I would love to see them.

I guess in a sense I am looking for the flourecense of the Corals and Clams to show. If need be I will sell all of my PCs and go with a VHO IceCap 440 setup to accompany the HQI setup.

I have an excellent Canopy Design setup, just gotta iron out the details.



Thanks in Advance,

Joe.


BTW For Sale, 2 96 Watt PC, and 2 55 Watt PC. 4 Total Ballasts, all with waterproof endcaps and 5 month old Bulbs for sale hehe.

[triggereel]

HQI and VHO blue is the way to go

[Sand Reef]

Hi Joe,

I am getting the 3x250 with 4x24w actinic PC Spacelight, but I will probably add 1 or 2 48" T8 actinics to give a better flourescence. T8 lamps take up less space and have higher lumens output than standard and VHO T12 lamps and they can be used on a VHO ballast, plus they are cheaper at $11 a lamp. Another thing, a T8 lamp will work on a T12 endcap but it won't be a waterproof fit (the pins are the same length and distance apart).

V

[dbmet]

I have 3 x 150hqi over my 150...but I also added 4 vho bulbs 2 actinics and 2 aqusuns..When I had just 2 x150hqi over my 75 I had them plus 2 actinics...
I added them cause the color of the bulbs I had didn't suit my taste..