Will these new MH lights support corals and SPS?

[PlanoReef]

Ordered a Dual Metal Halide Ballast (400 watts) w/two mogul sockets and two Iwasaki 400 lights. 6500K

I can't wait till they get here!

I hope these temp lights will support reef/corals/sps. Does anyone know? I hope they do ...

Do I need to suppliment acentics? These lights will be on my 55 gal reef tank that is currently in the build section. http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=93625



Ballast and reflectors




6500k temp

[Wiskey]

Woh! That is way overkill for a 55G tank. If you want to use it then 20K bulbs would be a better choice as that will really drop your par, or running the bulbs way off the water can be an alternitive.

Whiskey

[Twitterbait]

you said 400 watts on a 55gal?? dual!!!

you are going to fry some coral at that rate. plus the 65k bulbs are very red and will not be good for algae growth.

[Twitterbait]

i recommend trading down to no more than a dual 250w setup instead.

[Sambo]

Wow! That will be a ton of light!! 800W for a 55 gallon tank is well over 10 watts per gallon - I seem to remember anything over 5W per gallon is vital for SPS, up around 8-9 is better. As far as light spectrum, yellower light doesn't seem to have any impact on coral growth, only the aesthetics. You could add actinics to have some bluer light, but you probably won't need more than 2x40W at this rate. If I remember correctly, that ballast can only be used with the 6500K iwasaki bulbs - is that right? Otherwise you could change your bulbs over to 10000K or so for a bluer look.

[PlanoReef]

Hmm ... me thinks that I may be able to use this as an excuse for a larger tank .....

what do you guys think. I gave away a 100 gal glass tank to my buddy a few years back and his wife HATES it!

Maybe I can finagle a trade .... or does anyone know of a 100 gal tank in the dallas area going for cheap?

I just thought of this ... Can I just run one MH? Marine Depot has the following info on the ballasts.

PF1812

400W PFO Dual Ballast *

18" x 7½" x 5½"

Features

• 120V 6 foot supply cord for each ballast
• Extruded aluminum heat sink enclosure for maximum heat dissipation
• Each ballast can be controlled by independent timers
• Each ballast has an independent on-off switch
• Quick disconnect for maximum versatility in socket mounting configurations

Ballasts enclosed in an aluminum housing which helps dissipate heat. The plugs and quick disconnects on the PFO ballasts are standard. If you want to upgrade or downgrade the lighting intensity, all you have to do is purchase a new ballast and bulb, and you are all set. No need to send your entire system back to the manufacture and no cumbersome rewiring neccessary.

Note: PFO Socket assembly with quick disconnect cords do not come with ballasts and must be purchased separetely. Also, additional shipping charges will apply.

Dimensions: 18"L x 7.5"W x 6.25"H

If you have any questions about the PFO 400 Watt Dual Metal Halide Ballast or other Aquarium Supplies, please call us at 1-714-385-0080 or e-mail us at customercare@marinedepot.com.

[Sambo]

Of course - just don't switch on the second bulb...

[Doug1]

The 250 Iwasakis are a great bulb for a 55g but they tend to make every thing yellowish so actinics are a must if you buy into that blue water look. As far as PAR and growth they are great, the actinic will let you see more flourenscence