upgrading lighting for reef

[bongobrian]

Alright I posted this in the lighting section first, but havn't gotten any feedback. What do you guys think?

I am seriously considering upgrading my lighting very soon. I wanted to get some opinions on what I should get. I have a 46 gallon currently lit by two 55w power compacts. I've been considering buying a bran new setup, possibly with a combination of a MH daylight bulb and two vho actinics. What do you guys think about this? am I on the right track or should I consider something else as well? I've never had either vho or mh lighs so I don't know exactly what to look for. I was thinking of getting a single 175 w MH probably like 6,500k or 10,000k. I don't want the tank to look yellow, so hopefully having two vho actinics will balance that out. What wattage and brand of vho should I look for? what type of ballast? Does anyone have a link to a good website that might have a setup like this for sale? thanks guys.

[SomeHairyOldGuy]

Seem to be on the right track to me. I don't know much about MH. I do run VHO though. How long is your tank? I seem to want to think it would be about 36". If so URI makes great VHO bulbs. I think their 36" does 95 watts. Icecap makes good VHO ballasts. Hope this can be of some help.
SHOG

[bongobrian]

Thanks man... yes 36" is correct. And I've checking out the URI bulbs. They do sound like great bulbs.

[stang69]

IMO as far as ballasts go the PFo brand is great I have 3 of them and will continue to buy them. The URI's are a excellent bulb also.


Jeff

[dattack]

Hey Bongobrian,

Have you considered a 400W PFO HQI with 20K bulb? I have seen two 3 foot tanks lit by just this and it's an amazing color. No actinics needed.

[Chris Lakies]

How deep is your tank? If it is over 18" deep I would use a 250 watt metal, and over 24" deep I would use a 400 watt.

If it is the tank I think it is I would use a 400 watt 20,000 k Radium, and two Actinic VHO's. If you don't use a Radium I would go with 10,000 k Ushio and two Actinics.

[Reefland]

Here is my suggestion; it's the same MH system I have. It's the Sunlight Supply Bluewave HQI ballast, pendent and AB 250w 10k DE bulb:

http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...tegory_Code=SL

http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=PEN

http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=MHB

Scott Z.