Newbie reef/sw question

[dotel]

Started about 2 and half years ago with basic Eclipse 38gallon as a saltwater tank, with some fish and mushrooms, Nice, but wanted more, Recently just retroed entire tank so I could push it more into reef, and get some more corals. Converted from the standard eclipse filter, to full sump, and protine skimmer. Switched from Standard UV Florecent lights to Metal Halide. WOW what a diffence my mushrooms exploded and my plate coral is comming back to life. Found the mother of bristle worms when I broke down tank (ever seen DUNE???), But a nice arrow crab has been helping me with that problem (and a pair of tweazers) A couple of questions have come up from reading through these forums.

1. What are the pro's and Con's to Metal Halide vs. VHO (I think I have that right)

2. Red lighting. after working on the tank for several nights under red light to hunt for the monster bristle worms I came to really like the tank at night. Is there any reason I could not hook up perment redlighting in the canopy (led or incandecent) to illuminate the tank at night? So I can watch? Will it effect my fish or other life in a negative manner?

3. Seen refrences to this in several posts. But What is an educator?

4. Anyone know how to convince landlady to let me put in 180gallon tank? (joke)


Thanks

[Reedman]

1. What are the pro's and Con's to Metal Halide vs. VHO (I think I have that right)

Pros:
MH gives cool glitter lines - VHO doesn't
Light intensity (MH has more)
Cool glitter lines (did I mention this?)
Corals really like 'em (MH that is)

Cons:
Lots o heat with MH - Not nearly the issue with VHO
taller canopy required for MH to allow space between bulbs and water - not true with VHO
expense (initially the MH is expensive, but in the long run I think they turn out to be cheaper - not really sure though)

2. Red lighting.

I think this is not a problem. Someone else can comment though

3. Seen refrences to this in several posts. But What is an educator?

This is a device that hooks to the output in your tank (from a return or a closed loop). The idea is that it increases the output velocity and changes the spread. I don't know the details o fhow it works, but Spanky is using them I think so you could search on his name and see details.

Good luck!

[thefatman]

1. pros and cons. well i'm still fairly new myself, but i would say the con to metal halide is cost and heat. vho is cheaper, and not quite as hot, but doesnt have as many watts for a small area as the mh does.

2. most lfs sell 15 watt red bulbs. i've come across quite a few folks that have the red mounted inside the canopy. i'm doing the same in mine as well. just two 15 watt blubs for night viewing.

as i udnerstand, the critters dont see the red spectrum, and essentially dont even know the light is on, so i dont see where there would be any downside to doing it.

3. educater: n. someone who educates. ie: a school teacher.. lol ok seriously, i dont know much about them, but check the diy section there is a great thread there realting to them.

4. offer her a massage once a week.

[Jennai]

I'm new here too, but I've READ that red lighting will encourage the wrong kinds of algaes- That's why it's so important for the blue and white lights? Perhaps it's only an issue if the VHO has a red hue? Not sure, but I'd check into it just in case

Good luck!!

(Tell the landlady she can come hand feed any starfish you get- look what it did for Jay!)

Jennai