MH and PC lighting question

[Luis Ochoa]

What is the diference between the magnetic and electric ballast and which one is best to get for a 175w retro kit?
I have a 24" Coralife fixture now, is it posible to replace the 24" bulbs for like a 36" bulb? taking the wires and stuff out of the fixture of course or is it like the MH where I need to match the ballast to the bulb?
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[DaRealDvs1]

Too much to list.....but the major points are:
Electric run more quiet, do not over power bulbs (more life span) & will save you $$$ money on your electricity bill.

Regarding your Coralife, the ballast is rated for the wattage of your current bulbs.
The longer the bulbs are, the more wattage they are....so by just removing the bulbs & rewiring the harness, it will not work.
Yes, you have to match the ballast & bulb.

[Luis Ochoa]

Thank you for your time.
How many watts should I get for my 20gal tall, it is 24 inches long. is 175w on MH sufficient for it? I like to keep Acros and clams.

[lizardcouple]

yeah but magnetics are more reliable but do run hotter

[Luis Ochoa]

If I get a second 130W PC fixture, would that help me keep the clams and acros as well as the MH?
I am concerned with heat problems and don't have the $$ to get a chiller.

[DaRealDvs1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7284638#post7284638 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lizardcouple
yeah but magnetics are more reliable but do run hotter

How are magnetics more reliable?
Please explain.
My IceCaps are better than any magnetic I ran.

Luis:
For that tank height, a 175 watt bulb would not penetrate far down, so clams & SPS should be placed high up, closer to the bulb.
As with all MH....heat will be an issue, especially with a smaller water volume.
Without a chiller, you will have to run a fan across the top of the water surface to cool down the tank, especially in Summer months. Keep in mind this will cause more water evaporation.

It depends if you want to have an effect, if you choose to supplement PC actinics. I wouldn't over-do it with so many bulbs. There are small pendants that includes MH, PC's & a fan mounted in a hood or you can just run MH with a higher K bulb if you like the "blue" look (such as a 14k or 20k bulb). However, you will not get the same growth rate as say a 10k bulb.


Hope I made sense.......:D

[DaRealDvs1]

You can also look into T5 fixtures....:)

[Luis Ochoa]

Thanks for your answers.
If I wanted to get T5, how many would I need to have the same efect as the MH?
are 200w on MH the same as 200w in T5 as far as intensity and growth efect?

[Toddrtrex]

I think a 175 would be fine with a 20 g Tall. I have 2 * 175 on my 58, my green slimer and clam are grower great, they both are on the sand bed.

[DaRealDvs1]

Isn't a 58 gal shorter than 24" in height, unlike his tank?

[Toddrtrex]

I didn't think a 20 Tall was that tall. I am using one as my sump for my 58 and I know the 20 is shorter.

[Toddrtrex]

Just looked at All-Glass site, at 20 Tall is "only" 16" high, and the 58 is 24" tall.

Edit, the 58 is 21" tall.

[Luis Ochoa]

Is this too much for my tank?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7761877427

May have to upgrade...

[DaRealDvs1]

You might be right. Looks like I mis-read this:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7284097#post7284097 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Luis Ochoa

How many watts should I get for my 20gal tall, it is 24 inches long.

[Toddrtrex]

MGHT be right ;) Of course I am right. ( joking )

Heck I wasn't sure myself, so I looked it up.

[DaRealDvs1]

:D

[Toddrtrex]

LOL

But Luis Ochoa, I think you would be fine with either 175 or 250. The only thing I would be concerned about with the 250 is the extra heat, but I don't think it would be that great. You might also have to be careful with acclimating corals, just take your time (if you do get the 250) so that they don't bleach.