Hamilton Technology Metal Halide Lighting

[josh27]

I've been using t5 lighting for about 7 months on my tank but I'm thinking about getting some metal halides, was just wondering if anyone has any experience with this lighting. Also would a 250 watt halide light along with 2 39watt t5 lights be sufficient for a 57g 36 long x18 wide x20 deep tank

[Conrad25]

I have two 2x250w Hamilton Reefstar Pendants over my 75 Gallon reef tank and it is a boat load of light. So I'm sure 1 250w hamilton will work great over your tank.

Conrad

[grigsy]

Right now, I am running Hamilton Cayman Suns over one of my tanks and those are great reflectors. Very high output.

They are much brighter reflectors versus Reefstar.

IMO, one 250 watt halide & 2-39 watt T5 actinics would be a great choice in lighting for a 3 ft reef tank 57 gallons.

[Toddrtrex]

I have an Hamilton full fixture (( 2*250, 2*96 PC )) over my 58, I have had it for about 10 years now, and it still working great.

[josh27]

Thanks for the feedback but i have another question. What lighting do you like the best 10k, 14k, or 20k and should I upgrade the ballast to 250 watt since I'm upgrading the lighting from 175 to 250?

[Toddrtrex]

That is going to be up to you, but this is my story...

When I first bought the fixture I went with 2*175, and used it that way for several years, and was using 10,000K bulbs. About 3-4 years ago I tried some 20,000K 175's, and while I liked the color, they were just too dim for me (( this is over my 3 foot 58 )). So, I ended up getting a 2*250 Galaxy ballast --- went with that ballast for 2 reasons, one it is a quality ballast, and secondly it matched the plugs that are on my Hamilton, so I didn't have to rewire anything. So now (( the last 3 years )) I have been using 2 250 watt Radiums with 1 96 PC 50/50 and 1 96 PC dual actinic.

[Wolfmann81]

I am a Hamilton fan over my 180G display. I run 2x250W HT bulbs & ballasts on the ends, and a 400W Hamilton bulb & ballast in the middle. I also run 2x54w retro along the outside for a great blue effect (super-blue actinic if I remember). My 400w in the center is a HT 14k, and I run 2 10k to the sides. If you are going to have actinic supplementation, I would go with either the 10k or the 14k - it's all in what you like. I believe you would be happy with either of them. I think you are off to a great start with that lighting set-up, a good mix. If you go with a 10k MH, it will look better if your 2x39w T5's are actinics of some sort.

One thing you mentioned was mismatching the ballast to the bulb? (175w ballast to a 250w bulb). I have heard this is a bad idea, but have never done it to know from first-hand (nor will I). I have heard it can even blow up the bulb (literally) from over-driving it. I would say sell your 175w ballast on the forum here, and buying a 250w ballast to match it up with the bulb.

[jackinfobo]

You should deffinatly go with hamilton. They have such amazing customer service, and their products are quality. I have a 250watt pendent on my 37gallon tank and it is almost too bright, I use a 14k bulb since I dont have any atinics. Do not mix different wattages of bulbs/ballasts together, that really shortens the lifespan of the bulb. I would definatly go with hamilton.