Largest or strongest bulb allowed...

[apantale]

Hello guys,

I have a 24" Orbit with dual 65W bulbs with the lunar lights running my 35Gal Flatback Hex reef tank. I was told that I would need to inevitably replace the bulbs. Can I go with a stronger set of bulbs, or am I pretty much stuck? Just wanted to up the bulbs for a bit more light. I also just discovered that Orbit has a 24" with a single Halide now!!! If I only knew..

[charlie]

Hello guys,

I have a 24" Orbit with dual 65W bulbs with the lunar lights running my 35Gal Flatback Hex reef tank. I was told that I would need to inevitably replace the bulbs. Can I go with a stronger set of bulbs, or am I pretty much stuck? Just wanted to up the bulbs for a bit more light. I also just discovered that Orbit has a 24" with a single Halide now!!! If I only knew..

See if they would take a trade!! I take it the fixture you have now is a PC fixture. How deep is your hex?

[kevinpo]

The ballast that drives your bulbs is made for the wattage of bulbs you have now. You will not be able to drive higher wattage bulbs unless you change the ballast too. Also higher wattage bulbs will be longer and not fit in your current fixture.

Regards,
Kevin

[apantale]

See if they would take a trade!! I take it the fixture you have now is a PC fixture. How deep is your hex?

I will try to get a trade in, but as for the depth, if you are speaking of the actual height from the top of the tank to the bottom, its about 21". The depth from front to back is about 12.5", and the top of course is 24".

Sorry for not understanding..

[apantale]

The ballast that drives your bulbs is made for the wattage of bulbs you have now. You will not be able to drive higher wattage bulbs unless you change the ballast too. Also higher wattage bulbs will be longer and not fit in your current fixture.

Regards,
Kevin

Thanks Kevin, I did discover that yesterday. I guess I need to figure out if I will just do retro, or just keep what I have for now until I get the big tank.

[Steven Pro]

Hello guys,

I have a 24" Orbit with dual 65W bulbs with the lunar lights running my 35Gal Flatback Hex reef tank. I was told that I would need to inevitably replace the bulbs. Can I go with a stronger set of bulbs, or am I pretty much stuck? Just wanted to up the bulbs for a bit more light. I also just discovered that Orbit has a 24" with a single Halide now!!! If I only knew..

First, figure out what you want to keep. Then see if you need a new lighting system or if your current one will work.

[apantale]

First, figure out what you want to keep. Then see if you need a new lighting system or if your current one will work.

Thanks Steven Pro. I have decided to stick with most of the soft corals I have now, and the one hard coral. I will hold off on purchasing any SPS or Clams at this point until I upgrade to a larger tank.