German Light Bar Question

[tholleyh46]

I have a dupla electra light combo (2x150 14k HQI and 2x26 CFL acitinics) over what is basically a 120T (lil smaller as its metric/got into the hobby overseas). Not real popular in the US but have been very happy with it. As of late I have decided to get into the SPS/LPS game and have heard 250w is better for the corals. I like the light and there of course is the cost issue, so I was curious if it were possible to upgrade the wattage of the lamps by replacing some of the components.

The ballast is self-contained and not something I've seen on US lights I've looked at. There is an ignitor which I've already replaced by Vosloh-Schwabe (Sp?), they don't make the 150w anymore so I have 250s (work just fine w/the 150w bulbs) but the starter plugs into a square object which I assume to be the ballast. It states it is made by Hevlar (?, I think/barley readable) of Finland. Since I've already replaced the starters I was curious if tackling the ballast was possible and would that do the trick, but there doesn't seem to be much familiarity with this product in the US.

I acquired it in Japan and have to use a tranformer to run it as its 220v.

Thanks,

Tom

[charlie]

You are right about familiarity in the US, I have never heard of this type of light. Is it possible for you to contact the folks where you bought this product?
You would definitely have to change ballasts though!!!!
250w would definitely be better for sps, can you give us the tank dimensions?
Also, I am thinking that if you start changing things around within the light itself, you would probably void whatever warranty that product has. Sorry I can't be more help.

[tholleyh46]

Thanks, I'm not worried about the warranty, I've had this bar a while. It has been good, when I got into the hobby the only MH lamps you could get in the US looked like marijuana growing lamps. The tank is metric, appx to a 120 tall, almost 48x24x24 but a little less. More like 47.5x23.5x23.5. I bought it in Japan so visiting the store I got from isn't real doable. Half the fun of the hobby at the time was the communication barrier, no one in the store spoke English and my Japanese ain't so grand.

[OIIIIIO]

I've never used HQIs, but I think the sockets for 150 and 250 are different. If that's the case, you'd have to upgrade the socket and possibly the reflector along with the ballast. Might take some customizing, but I'd think it could be done.

[tholleyh46]

Thanks for your comments, I never noticed an actual difference in the bulbs. I contacted the manufacturer of the ballast, Helvar; they have an office in the UK and the gentlemen there had some good points as well:
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Hi Tom

I cannot comment on the 250w lamp within its current enclosure, would there be a heat issue with this lamp? will the enclosure need to be bigger in order to dissipate the heat from the lamp? I would suggest this question be put to the aquarium supplier as Helvar only manufacture gear and are not involved directly with fitting manufacturers.

Ballast reference to operate 250w HQI lamp, NK250SE or NK250SEP if you require Thermal Protection. Ignitor, HI-400S will operate with this ballast.

Best regards
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I found that Dupla has an office in Autralia, I sent them an email as well as to the recomendations above, I certainly don't want a fire. There is a shield (reflector) in the lamp housing. Additionally, of the two ballasts listed above I'm not sure which is the wisest choice. I found I can order them (either) for about $55 each from the UK, they're both magnetic ballasts, not very large. Unfortunately, they don't offer 120v, no wonder they're not so polular here.

I'll see if Dulpa of Australia answers me - in the meantime do you think crocea clams and SPS corals will do alright under my 150s if I keep them near the surface?

I really don't want to buy another $1500 light bar if I don't have to, certainly when the one I have still functions fine and is aesthetically pleasing - BUT - we all know how that goes.

[tholleyh46]

This is the fixture if it helps, the unit has no fans.

[OIIIIIO]

Since you were already willing to retro-modify that light, why not sell it and use the cash to get components to DIY a better light? For under $800, you could built a fixture that would blow that one away.

[tholleyh46]

I think I like your answer, what do you recommend? I'd like to avoid a hood if at all possible. I like the top being open.

Heard back from Dupla:

To Tom,

Thankyou for your enquiry, I endeavour to answer you as detailed as I can.

Short answer:
No.

Long answer:
You can run 250W metal halides, but to do so you will need to change the tube sockets, reflector, bulbs and ballasts. Changing the ballast(s) will require ballasts that suit the 250S igniters, as there are different methods of connecting them. There will be a lot more heat output with the 250W metal halide bulbs and ballasts, the Electra is designed to cope with the 150W bulbs and ballasts so the life span of the ballasts will be comprimised and heat stress will become evident on the light fixture (if you are a bit handy, technically speaking, you could lessen this by getting a pair of fans wired into the light to force some air movement through the light fixture. Also, I believe that in the USA you have 110V and 230V, please be aware of the voltage you are using. In Australia we use 240V, so most ballasts sold here suit our power infrastructure and may not be suitable for use in the USA. Another thing to watch out for is the physical size of the ballast, most 250W ballasts are larger than the 150W ballasts so there may not be enough room inside the light.

If you would like me to find out pricing, please let me know, but be aware that any warranty may be an issue due to the above mentioned constraints of the light.

Sincerley,

Xxxx X.
Dupla Australia Service Centre

[tholleyh46]

this looks cheap (price) any idea on quality anyone? I don't see a brand.

48' Metal Halide 250 T5 HO Aquarium Light Moonlights - eBay (item 180302604070 end time Nov-27-08 09:44:58 PST)

[charlie]

This is just a personal thing with me but, I would not purchase anything that doesn't have a name brand on it!!!!!
There a many folks around here, Poseidon in particular, that have had great success with something like this:
48 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 8x54W T5HO with 4 Lunar Lights

They can keep sps/lps with something like this, and it won't kill your pocketbook.

[charlie]

I will be honest with you, I think that T5 lighting is probably your best option, less heat, less $$$$$, and they are very effective. I will try to point Poseidon in your direction on this thread, and see if he can provide you with some insight as to how well he has done with T5 lighting.
I am gonna be out of town the next 2 days, so I will get in touch with him this morning. While you are waiting, do a search for T5 lighting on here and you will find enough info to keep you busy in the time being.

I wish T5 lighting would have been available when I started my sps tank almost 5 years ago!!!!!

Good luck, I will check in again when I get back into town. Good luck!!!

[Poseidon]

After reading all this, I agree with Charlie. I would get a new fixture. If you choose to go with a T5 setup, then a 6 bulb fixture would be the minimum I would suggest, 8 would be better as your tank is nearly 24" wide. There are several options, but ATI Power Modules are considered to be the BEST, followed by the "Tek Lights" and then the Nova fixtures.

There is a TON of information on Reefland about T5, and there are several sponsors that sell the fixtures are reasonable rates. For about $400 you can get the Teklight, then you need the bulbs, which are about $20-25 each.

The only real difference between your halides and T5 is going to be the shimmer lines, you won't have them with T5. Other then that, with proper bulb choice, you will be able to keep any SPS or clams you want.

[tholleyh46]

What is the concensus on Hamilton Light Bars?

[Poseidon]

To be honest I have not looked at them, do you have one in mind?

[tholleyh46]

Yes, I already bought one. Appears to be a brand name offered from many stores/outlets - retails aroud $700 bucks. Got one from an individual downsizing for $275. Fixture is about one year old, not HQI but should be a little brighter than my 150s. I'll give it a whirl, using 10k bulbs though for the MHs.

Hamilton Metal Halide Fixtures, 2x250W 5500K, 48 inch

[charlie]

Good choice my friend. Don't forget that when you get it and put it on your tank, cut the photoperiod so what you have can acclimate to the brighter lites, OK.

[tholleyh46]

Well, the new 250s certainly are brighter, I'd be happier if the light bars were a little narrower than the tank size, but such is life. The electronic ballasts are bulkier than the step up transformer but the light works well.

If anyone needs a 2x150w HQI w/2 acitinic PCs let me know before I let it ride on ebay!

Have a Happy Turkey Day!

Tom

[charlie]

Hey Tom, got any before and after pics for us?????

Happy turkey day!!!

[tholleyh46]

Sure, I'll post some photos - I just moved here so the tank is still in the maturing phase, but let me try and figure this out.

[charlie]

Take your time, I am so full I can't stand to sit!!!