metal hailde situation plzz help

[mario1021]

i have bought a odyssea metal halide fixture with a 250 watt bulb. I have a 29 gallon tank im trying to build into a mini reef, but i feel that the bulb is too bright i wanted to put a 150 instead is there any way to change the bulb connection? i know the ballast needs to be changed too. does anyone have any ideas i would really appreciate to advise. Thank you.

[jimmyj7090]

You'd need a different ballast and a different socket. You might be able to adapt the reflector, but everthing else would need to be different.

[mario1021]

thanks for responding, is there a place where i can buy these parts?

[dan-in-gr]

Hi, go to Hamilton Technology, for the ballasts, they also have the 150 sockets for $10 a pair, its under Accessories section: http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/item/150W-HQI-DE-Sockets---Pair-1625

They should adapt well to your hood with very little work.

[Playa-1]

The K rating and the bulb itself can also change the appearance of brightness within the tank. You might want to do some research before you go spending lots of money to make changes that you don't necessarily want or need. You may find that the 250w configuration with the right bulb is the best choice.

[pete33]

Just hang it a little higher. I'm using a 250 watt and it hangs about 10" of the top of the aquarium. I personally wouldn't spend more money to downgrade.