Upgrading system to 210gallon ... lighting options?

[OceanLuv]

Hi everyone!

I haven't been on here in quite some time ... we are already upgrading after 1 year from our 72 gallon to a 210 - we have a blue chin trigger that needs some more swimming space.

Right now on our 72, we have 4x65W PCs and we want to upgrade lights with the tank but lighting has been the most confusing aspect of reefkeeping for me.

I am undecided on metal halides or T5s, and we will be wanting to keep clams. I found these on ebay: Retro includes: 3-250 watt metal halide 10,000k, 14000k or 20,000k bulbs - please specify the bulbs you would like in your payment. If you would like more 400 watt bulbs we can add additional bulbs and ballast for $175 for each bulb and ballast. If you would like 175watt bulbs instead we can do that for the same price. Unit also comes with 4 X 96 watt power compacts. We can upgrade you to have more power compacts for $50 for each 96 watt bulb you wuld like added.
If you would like 150 watt hqi metal halides instead of the 250 watt mogul base we can have them substituted.
250 hqi's can be installed instead for an additional $150 per request.

What are hqi's?

Also, could I build my own lighting system by doing 4x250 watt MH on one ballast with my actinics on a separate ballast?

Also - a big question for me is that I love having a canopy, will MHs be too hot??

[charlie]

First off, welcome back!! What are the dimensions of your 210? Basically speaking, an HQI ballast, just overdrives the bulbs. Check out this article,
List of all my articles, for a much better explanation and analysis.
4 bulbs on one ballast??? The most I have ever seen is just 2, must be one heck of a ballast!!!
Depending on the depth of your tank, you might be able to get away with 250W bulbs. They are a good all around answer for reef tanks in my opinion.
As far as heat is concerned, yes MH bulbs are hot. Alot of folks use fans to keep the system cool. Considering where you live, this might be a future problem for you. HTH

[OceanLuv]

System is 72W 24D and 29H - it's awesome I'm so excited

The website that I found the lighting is petsupplyliquidators.com but that particular setup was on their auction on ebay. Like I said I am not that familiar with MH, and ballasts and such, so I didn't realize that was a lot. Maybe better to do 1 ballast/2 bulbs on each side (each 3 foot section?) This company will also upgrade the bulbs to 400W for $150 per bulb. Do you find that a chiller helps keep water cool? Are MH definitely better to go with than T5s? I have heard lots of great things about T5s as well...
Also Charlie - thanks for the article ... I am running out the door for work, I'll read it when I get there!

[Reefland]

You don't need 4 bulbs, 3 metal halides will cover your tank just fine. Each halid bulbs will cover a 2' section adequately.

With that said, you should look for a 3 bulb, 250w metal halide retro kit to fit into your hood, granted your hood is tall enough to accept them. If it isn't, you should look at some of the sleek hanging systems that are available, this one would be very nice for your tank:
72" 3 x 250w HQI - 4 x 39w T5 Maristar - Sunlight Supply

[Ninong]

Good luck with your new tank!

Here is my two cents worth: Before you buy from an unknown outfit on eBay, I suggest you check out a couple of the regular online vendors who have been around for years and are well known in the hobby. You could check the sponsors on Reefland.

I have read too many posts on the various boards by people who were not satisfied with the lighting equipment they purchased on eBay. When the main selling point is price, make sure you know what you're getting and who you're dealing with.



P.S. -- "HQI" is commonly used in the U.S. to describe double-ended metal halide lamps. As Charlie has already pointed out, you can't run four 250w metal halide lamps on the same ballast. They do make dual ballasts, however. If you choose double-ended metal halide lamps, you will want to select a so-called "HQI ballast" or an electronic ballast that is compatible with your lamps. Also, some of the German mogul based metal halide lamps do better on the so-called HQI ballasts than on regular ballasts.

I would stay away from 150w or 175w lamps for your tank. Go with either 250w or 400w. And yes, if you go with a canopy, you will need a few ventilation fans.

[underseaworld]

I also live in AZ. Three 250 mh should work good for your tank. You may need to add fans to your system to help cool things off. I have 3 mh and 2 vho on my 300 gl tank. The stand was built with and open top canopy to allow for heat to rise. The cieling fan in the room helps cool it off. I do not need a chiller this way

[charlie]

Are you going to have a sandbed???
Depending on what type of corals you want to have in there, you could get away with 3 250w, but the 29" depth is saying 400w. But then again, if you only want soft corals, 250's will be fine.
Ninong is right, you really need to purchase lighting from a good, reliable source, it is a really important part of your reef.
Just do a whole of looking and reading about other peoples setups around here, and you will see there is alot to learn and absorb. we are always around for your questions too!!! Good luck

[OceanLuv]

Hi again! Looking for some more advice...

Found these lights at one of Reefland's sponsors (reeftanklighting.com)

A6R3MH496
Hamilton 6' RETROFIT 3MH 4 PC COMPACT FL 96W - PC KIT

3 - Metal Halide bulb (See Option to Upgrade your Metal Halide and ballast to a higher Kelvin (Whiter & Bluer) and/or higher wattage (Brighter). For tank height 18" to 36" use MH 175W / 24" to 36" use MH 250W / 24" to 60" use MH 400W), 4 - 96W 7100K Blue PC Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
High quality electro-white reflector
Dawn to dusk effect - two switches for the metal halides and two switches for the compact fluorescents
Dimensions: L70"xW9"xH5"
Base price $569.00
Features/Options:
Triple MH Bulbs 400-Watt 20K Mogul Add $377.85
Select your Reflector Super-Bright Hammertone Add $58.00
Lens for Retrofit Kits Lens 6' X 11" X 3/16" Add $60.95
Ok - opinions on these lights welcome. Anyone have Hamilton lights? There were no reviews but they have the aspects I want -the price hurts, but I think its a good deal. Is reeftanklighting.com reputable?

[charlie]

No experience with Hamilton's, but I have alot of experience with these:
6 Foot PFO Custom Hood with 3 x Metal Halide + 2 x 160 Watt VHO - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store

Just throwing this out for your comparison.