Kinda Urgent Lighting Thread

[Wind]

Yo guys, IM in HONGKONG and hope to get some MH, they have this german one which has bulb that looks like this :


THey have this glass underneath it, UV shield? Well its german made and says its 15k or so. Are these good? They dont' look like the ROUND bulbs we have here. IM deciding on MH and was wondering if these would work..

THANKS

[PerryinCA]

That is a double ended lamp. Most people will call them "HQI" lamps. Most of these lamps have good output and good lamp life for the kelvin temp. I wouldn't bank on the lamp being 15k, but its likely going to be better than the low kelvin MH that you commonly see.

There are double ended lamps that have a special UV protective coating on them, however most of them (by a large margin) need a UV protective glass or acrylic shield to stop or severly limit the dangerous levels of UVB, and UVC. Do they have a brand? If you could find out what brand they were, I could help you more.

If housed in the proper reflector housing, they can be a very efficient lamp, and worthwhile purchase. They do require a ballast with an ignitor to light properly. Do you use reactor ballasts in China?


-Perry

[Wind]

So they are HQI? IT won't melt the UV shield i bet. So far all they say is it is german made. I will research more and let u guys know.. THANKS SO MUCH.. THis is my chance for MH. hehe


These are like ready made hoods already w/ PC supplements.. I will ask for more info.. THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN

[PerryinCA]

It looks like what people refer to as HQI. All it is, is a german mande double ended MH. Should work great for what you want!

-Perry

[Wind]

Um.. these seem to be HQI.. THe light fixture comes with everything including the SHIELDING.. It looksl ike the shielding is so close to the BULB though.

DO you think the fixture is ok? ANd how long do these HQI last? as well as the ballast?

THanks. again.. i've heard you are very helpful at RC. hehe

[PerryinCA]

If the shield is a tempered glass, it should be fine. The highest temperature I have measured a 250w HQI pendant at is 278 degrees F. That is with the glass shield in place, and minimal venting. How close is the shield? It shouldn't be too much closer than .75 of an inch, or approximately 1.8 cm. If it is there is a chance that the heat from the lamp will de-temper the glass, and give a possibility for shattering, especially if splashed with water.

High Quartz double ended lamps will typically last from 12-18 months under stable conditions (this is only for 10k or so lamps).


The ballast should last many years. The only thing that would need replacement down the road would be the capacitor, which should be easily found at an electrical supply shop for little money. however, you can expect years of use before that happens for a properly build unit.

-Perry

[Wind]

hi, so far, i saw this pendent that is 150 Watt w/ 2x27 PC Actinic for about 300 or so.

Do u think this light is enough? , i know it isn't that good, hhaha, what tank size will this light?.. Cost is kind of a big factor ... ITs a double-end hqi... Will it light a 125-150? a 6 ft tank, im not sure how deep yet though.. THANKS