More MH questions

[Mykayel]

I too am thinkiing about upgrading to MH. Is an electronic balast worth the extra money? Do they really use less energy and make the bulbs last longer?

What do you think of this kit? http://www.hellolights.com/17methalretk.html
or with an eltronic ballast: http://www.hellolights.com/17methalbalk.html

Should I suppliment with antics or can I run just the MH? (I was sorta thinking of taking apart my current PC fixture to use for the antics.

Any good links on DYI hoods?

Is UV an issue with all MH or just some?

For my 30g, right now I'm running 2x96w PC's, do you think I should go 175w MH or 250w MH?

Thanks for any help.

[stlsaltwater]

I use the icecap 175w with VHO

And compared to my old ballast, uses alot less energy and is cool to the touch. Which is all around good for that heat is a factor.

And if ur puttin a MH over a 30 GAL tank ....I think a 175w would be way enough and u could prob boil the water and make hard boiled eggs. lol

Good luck on ur search hope this helps

[gath2]

I will answer a couple of these questions.

You can run MH's by themselves. The VHO's are just to add color, so it's all a matter of personal taste to how you want your corals to look.

UV is only an issue with Double Ended bulbs. These must be installed in glass shielded reflectors. The bulb itself in single ended bulbs acts as the UV shield.