[hai42]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering which power compact are the best? How good are the smart lamps? I have a 90 gal and I know metal halides would be the best but for lack of funds I want to go with PCs. Thanks again.

[icemark]

With in a year or two, when you have to replace the bulbs, the MH will be cheaper.

Say for example you get 4 96 watt PC bulbs, maybe two 10k PC bulbs and two 7.1k blue PC bulbs or 4 96 watt smart lamps (around $50 each at Marine Depot right now).

Replacement on all four will be around $150 to $200 (depending on shipping and who is having a sale). Realisticly PC bulbs should be replaced every 14 months or so for optimum lighting. And with 4 bulbs that is only enough light if your tank is less than 18 inchs tall. If it is 18 inches or taller you will really need at least 6 bulbs or to go two MH if you want to keep any corals.

But 6.5k Halides the life cycle is closer to 18 to 24 months (depending on the ballast). Those 250 or 400 watt bulbs are running around $60 + shipping each right now. The recent tests show that the 250 watt 6.5k Iwasaki puts out more PAR than the 10K version and it supplies all the spectrum that corals and fish need to grow.

So with the MH lights, you'll have more light for less money in the long run.

Check out this link DIY MH for $100 for keeping the cost down: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/union/aquari...ml/DIY_MH.html

[hai42]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the feedback. Very good site for a MH retro but I'm not good with wiring. Thanks again

[Strangelove]

I have an AH Supply 4x96w on my 90 and it looks great. You have to install it yourself, but if I can do it, anybody can.

[SKRIZ]

I have had great success with pc's. I used the smartlamps but only in the 55 watt version. I got them for $20 each from www.ffexpress.com. I had to call them b/c i have 2g11 base (which were cheaper than the csl base). The kit from ahsupply would be a good choice. If you want to do mh however, it is cheaper than you think. a pfo 250w ballast is $90 and an iwasaki bulb $60. a reflector and socket will run $40. that's $190 not including shipping. the 4x96 setup from ahsupply is $215 not including shipping or the bulbs! if you go even 2x96, you are still looking at $115 + bulbs and shipping! (smarlamps are $45 each which would be $205 without shipping)! Shop around, and if you are interested in an icecap ballast, drop me an email. -hth

[koireef]

I installed a 4X96 setup in mine with a kit from reefantic.com. The entire cost including bulbs, ballast and reflector was under $200. It took about an hour and is relatively simple.

[hai42]

Thanks again. The kit from AhSupply looks great!

[Strangelove]

One thing Hai,

AH Supply is in the middle of changing the bulb-holding clips from one style to another, lighter-weight model. I suggest that when you order you ask Kim for a set of the newer clips.

Gene

[SKRIZ]

Hai, one thing. whatever you decide to do, shop around the bulb price. Even with shipping, you may save A LOT of money ordering from seperate places. Like I said b4, call ffe about the bulbs and they can give you prices on bulbs that are not even listed on their site.

[jcwbnimble]

Howdy,

I have seen alot of bad posts on the smartlamps lately. My personal preference for PC lamps is the 10000K models or the old standby of 1/2 6700K and 1/2 7100K.

Now, I would recommend metal halide before PCs. As for cost, you can't beat getting a dual 175w PFO ballast and 10000K bulbs from Marine Depot. The total would be $270, shipping would be extra of course. Now, a premade custom sealife power compact setup from marine depot will be at least $335 (4x55w retro). On a tank that deep (assuming it's a 4' foot model) you will probably want a 4x96w retro, which is $500.

Now, the same PC setups from a DIY place (ahsupply for example) will be over $230 for 4x55w and over $360 for a 4x96w setup. Mind you, you will have to wire the whole thing together. It may be easy, but as you mentioned, you are not too handy with wiring. I'm not either, that is why I always buy premade lighting.

Anyway, think over the comparison information and see what makes the most sense.

Scott.

[hai42]

Thanks again for everyone's advice and input. It was really helpful! Thanks

[Bubafat]

I would just like to comment on the comment that you made that you are not good at wiring. The majority of MH retro's (PFO or Hamilton) are totally wired. All you have to do is screw them into a hood and plug them in. Same goes for PC retro's so that excuse is kinda invalid.

Pro's and Con's of both.

Pro's of MH- Most intense lighting made. More economical in the long run/watt. Creates the cool looking wave like lines on the sea floor which, according to Borenemon, can increase the intesity of the normal MH light up to 10 times.

Con's- Hot. It punches heat into the tank as much as it does light. That is really the only con I have found.

Pro's of PC- good for small tanks. Although if measured, produces more heat/watt then MH, it is not a point source and cannot punch the heat down into the tank.

Con's- Bulbs are ungodly expensive, 96w bulbs go for like $40 a piece, thats $160 for the same wattage as 1 400w MH which goes for $120.
Not as bright.

Buba