Halide Q & A - Page 45

DENIZSEAMAR · 06/21/2016, 03:01 PM

Hi, using one of this lamp has any negative side on sps tank?
http://www.gelighting.com/LightingWe...m181-12562.pdf

Lamp is GE Arcstream 32664 ARC250/T/H/960/E40. Color diagram is on the 3rd page in pdf file above. 6000K daylight.
thanks

jdraider75 · 07/19/2016, 02:36 PM

How often should I change my 250 watt Radium bulbs? I run them 5 hours a day on Blue wave 7 ballast.

Bpb · 07/19/2016, 05:05 PM

That's a topic of lots of debate. You'll get strong recommendations for a wide range of time tables ranging from every 6 months to every 18 months. It seems to vary widely. There are hobbyist par measurements on radiums that range all the way from fantastic to pitiful, and some they show massive par loss over time while others show nearly no par loss at all. Every 9-12 months is a safe bet of a good replacement schedule

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jdraider75 · 07/19/2016, 08:24 PM

Thanks

Neptune 555 · 08/02/2016, 02:52 PM

I have an orbitz MH w/ 4 T5s. I need to upgrade my 250 watt MH bulbs. Currently they are are 10K lights. I am debating between 14K and 20K lights. Currently my T5 are 2 actinic and 2 10K.

I want coral and fish color + coral growth... currently when my MH are on you almost need sunglasses it is so bright. The shimmer is amazing.. If I go with the 14K or the 20K will I lose the shimmer? I do want more color in my fish to show... and I need my coral to grow and I don't want to lose the shimmer.

I have a 4 ft 75 gallon reef with yellow tang / mandarin / zoes / xenia / mushrooms / kenya tree / would like to add more coral.

Thanks!
Neptune

Bpb · 08/02/2016, 03:44 PM

Well...your fish colors won't improve under bluer lights. Fish colors are reflective pigments. They don't fluoresce under blue lighting. Your fish will never look better than they do under 10k halides. And that...is a personal opinion.

But...your corals will likely look more vibrant for the most part under 14k-20k lighting. You will not lose shimmer because shimmer isn't a product of spectrum, it's a product of point source + surface agitation. While solid blue light may not appear to shimmer quite as much, it's just because it is darker in nature to our own perception. 14k shimmer won't be any less pronounced than 6500k though to be honest. It's still plenty white enough.

All things considered equal, growth rates may vary depending on what region things thrive most at. Your ultra shallow water sps corals may not grow as fast under 20k as they would under 10k, but some deeper water corals may be happier without so much red and UV light hitting them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Euler Kernighan · 08/19/2016, 07:20 PM

Guys,

What do you think about a 150W double-ended for a 18in tall tank? Initial plan was 250W but I was told that it is too much.

Tank is 24"L x 19"W x 18"H, for one or two clams, sps most likely dominated.

The setup will be supplemented by 4 x T5. MH will be 14,000k any suggestions for T5s?

Thx

Euler Kernighan · 08/22/2016, 10:32 PM

Thanks. But 150w or 250w for a 18in tall tank?

tjnorthdakota · 09/05/2016, 11:24 PM

I just got a current usa 4' light for my 120 standard aqueon tank, it has 2-150w de halides with 4-t5 ho, tank is 26" high so was wondering if the halides by themselves will give enough par for sps or I should throw in some blue plus t5's into the mix instead of actinics? Plan was to use phoenix 14k's with 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus, or 4 actinics, any suggestions?

Euler Kernighan · 09/26/2016, 10:51 AM

It might be enough but you'll have to keep the SPS and clams in the high portion of your rockscape. If I were you I'll bet on 250w MH - double or single ended.

BTW, regardless the wattage using double ended bulbs don't ever forget to keep the glass shield on the reflector, things get really hot on DE bulbs.

Overboard · 09/28/2016, 06:37 AM

Hi!

Going back to metal halides with my new build. The tank is 8 foot, 30 inch wide, 31 inch tall, but it was originally built as a peninsula tank, so the effective tank area is 7 1/2 feet long.

Years ago, I had a 6 foot long 215 and used 3 X 400 watt with "spider-style" reflectors, supplemented with VHO's. Loved the results even though those were not the best reflectors.

This time, I am using large, 20 inch, Lumenbright reflectors which should perform much better. I can mount them high for better spread. I also want to try 250 watt bulbs to help manage the heat.

Do you think I can get by with three 250 watt MH fixtures on such a long tank? It will be primarily SPS. I will supplement with either T5s or maybe Reefbrite LEDs.

Thanks!!!

Euler Kernighan · 09/28/2016, 01:35 PM

31ish high? I'll stick with three 400w MH + vho all around.

AZRippster · 09/29/2016, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overboard

Hi!

Do you think I can get by with three 250 watt MH fixtures on such a long tank? It will be primarily SPS. I will supplement with either T5s or maybe Reefbrite LEDs.

Thanks!!!

I have an 8 footer that is 36" deep (450G). My winter lighting is MH/T5. It's made up of 2 Hamilton Cebu Sun 48" fixtures that have 2 400W MH and 4 54W T5 lamps each. So in total 4 400W MH and 8 54W T5. I have lots of SPS and have found the 400W are actually more than needed. This winter I'm considering dropping back to 4 250W MH instead which I'm sure will be enough. I use the LuxCore Electronic Ballasts with the HQI setting allowing for the 250W Radiums to be pushed closer to their recommended spec.

Overboard · 09/29/2016, 09:00 PM

Hey Rippster!

Thanks for the input. That is very helpful, especially with you having a 36 inch deep tank. I have the same ballasts and it is nice to have the options between 250 and 400 watt. I was thinking of using Radiums on the HQI setting as well, but I might need to add a 4th fixture due to the length of the tank.

With that 36 inch depth, are you keeping SPS near the bottom? Of course, with 400 watts, I would think that would clearly possible.

Ever check your lighting with a PAR meter? I still need to pick one up.

Thanks!
Mark

AZRippster · 09/30/2016, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overboard

Hey Rippster!

Thanks for the input. That is very helpful, especially with you having a 36 inch deep tank. I have the same ballasts and it is nice to have the options between 250 and 400 watt. I was thinking of using Radiums on the HQI setting as well, but I might need to add a 4th fixture due to the length of the tank.

With that 36 inch depth, are you keeping SPS near the bottom? Of course, with 400 watts, I would think that would clearly possible.

Ever check your lighting with a PAR meter? I still need to pick one up.

Thanks!
Mark

Hello,

Most of my SPS are mid to upper, but some seem to do well lower, especially Stylo. For instance, my Rainbow Stylo pretty much lost all it's color when placing it mid to upper. Most that do well are about midway in the tank.

I use my Seneye from time to time as more of a judge to see if my lamps are still performing acceptably. I would like try one of the new Apogee that are tuned for LED but simply don't want to fork out the ducketts.

I would agree that 3 250W would be optimum and allow for the most complete coverage vs. 4.

mamadu · 10/12/2016, 02:48 AM

Hello!
First of all, sorry for my English. But I will try to write without translater, it's more interesting ))
I have tank with dimensions 55"х27,6"х23,6"(h).
I've bought two CoralVue lumen Bright SE pendants and want to combine it with 4 T5 bulbs, but don't know how better to do.
I assume the height of MH source is some about 16-20" above water surface and T5 bulbs are 6" above.
Initially I wanted to make construction with two longlines, but in this case I can't adjust height of MH source without T5 (it's height is constant).
What can I do? Thanks.

Centerline · 10/17/2016, 07:24 AM

You will be fine with them all at the same height. No need to run the T5s 6" above the tank. Set the lights at 18" and you will be fine.

mamadu · 10/18/2016, 12:28 PM

I mean I want to light my tank due MHs are off. Would I use LEDs maybe?

King Venom · 10/23/2016, 07:31 AM

Hi,
I have a 4ft - 18" - 18" I have purchased a dual 150w metal halide unit. Is it going to be powerful enough to punch to the bottom it also has 6 T5's in it.
Cheers

sirreal63 · 10/23/2016, 07:37 AM

Yes it will.

Bpb · 10/23/2016, 07:57 AM

Yeah 18" is very shallow. The t5ho alone would be fine with good reflectors, but the mh will produce nice shimmer and more color options

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

King Venom · 10/23/2016, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpb

Yeah 18" is very shallow. The t5ho alone would be fine with good reflectors, but the mh will produce nice shimmer and more color options

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What would be the best range I was thinking 20-25k

xlzerolx · 11/20/2016, 07:45 AM

Hello, for an 18" deep tank (48" long and 18" wide) would the 175 watt with a Bali sun reflector be ok? Or should I stick with a 150 watt Cayman sun reflector. I was looking at the new video on metal halides but couldn't find any info on the Bali sun in that video. There will be no t5 supplements. I was also looking at the Bimini fixture but it looked like it would be too much of a focused light. Also I was surprised at how focused the light on the Cayman sun was. I was thinking that a 175watt in a Bali suncwould put out a more even spread than the 150 in a Cayman sun so the par might similar in both fixtures Any experience or comments?
Thanks

reefanatik · 11/27/2016, 12:54 AM

Has anyone ran a XM10k on an m80 ballast? I currently am running 20k Radiums on a M80 Ballast and am thinking about swapping. Also I just ordered 2 retrofit kits to replace a really old set I was running. I ordered these http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/t5-ho-...-lighting.html

jda · 11/27/2016, 10:46 AM

Yes... the color will shift a bit to the bluer/whiter side and they will put out massive amounts of output.

This is/was a very popular choice for hard core SPS people wanting lots of light or have deep tanks.

08/19/2016, 07:20 PM	#1107
Euler Kernighan The "DIY Guy" Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 453	150W double-ended MH for a 18in tall tank? Guys, What do you think about a 150W double-ended for a 18in tall tank? Initial plan was 250W but I was told that it is too much. Tank is 24"L x 19"W x 18"H, for one or two clams, sps most likely dominated. The setup will be supplemented by 4 x T5. MH will be 14,000k any suggestions for T5s? Thx __________________ Euler NON DVCOR DVCO

08/22/2016, 10:32 PM	#1108
Euler Kernighan The "DIY Guy" Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 453	Thanks. But 150w or 250w for a 18in tall tank? __________________ Euler NON DVCOR DVCO

09/26/2016, 10:51 AM	#1110
Euler Kernighan The "DIY Guy" Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 453	It might be enough but you'll have to keep the SPS and clams in the high portion of your rockscape. If I were you I'll bet on 250w MH - double or single ended. BTW, regardless the wattage using double ended bulbs don't ever forget to keep the glass shield on the reflector, things get really hot on DE bulbs. __________________ Euler NON DVCOR DVCO

09/28/2016, 06:37 AM	#1111
Overboard Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 554	Hi! Going back to metal halides with my new build. The tank is 8 foot, 30 inch wide, 31 inch tall, but it was originally built as a peninsula tank, so the effective tank area is 7 1/2 feet long. Years ago, I had a 6 foot long 215 and used 3 X 400 watt with "spider-style" reflectors, supplemented with VHO's. Loved the results even though those were not the best reflectors. This time, I am using large, 20 inch, Lumenbright reflectors which should perform much better. I can mount them high for better spread. I also want to try 250 watt bulbs to help manage the heat. Do you think I can get by with three 250 watt MH fixtures on such a long tank? It will be primarily SPS. I will supplement with either T5s or maybe Reefbrite LEDs. Thanks!!! __________________ 360 Gallon SPS Display. Lighting is with two 400 watt MH , two Radion G4 X30s, supplemented with old school VHOs for some "pop". Fish - Pair of IO Regal Angels, pair of captive bred Hawaiian Flame

09/28/2016, 01:35 PM	#1112
Euler Kernighan The "DIY Guy" Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 453	31ish high? I'll stick with three 400w MH + vho all around. __________________ Euler NON DVCOR DVCO

06/21/2016, 03:01 PM	#1101
DENIZSEAMAR Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 97	Hi, using one of this lamp has any negative side on sps tank? http://www.gelighting.com/LightingWe...m181-12562.pdf Lamp is GE Arcstream 32664 ARC250/T/H/960/E40. Color diagram is on the 3rd page in pdf file above. 6000K daylight. thanks

07/19/2016, 02:36 PM	#1102
jdraider75 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 546	How often should I change my 250 watt Radium bulbs? I run them 5 hours a day on Blue wave 7 ballast.

07/19/2016, 05:05 PM	#1103
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	That's a topic of lots of debate. You'll get strong recommendations for a wide range of time tables ranging from every 6 months to every 18 months. It seems to vary widely. There are hobbyist par measurements on radiums that range all the way from fantastic to pitiful, and some they show massive par loss over time while others show nearly no par loss at all. Every 9-12 months is a safe bet of a good replacement schedule Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07/19/2016, 08:24 PM	#1104
jdraider75 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 546	Thanks

08/02/2016, 02:52 PM	#1105
Neptune 555 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 330	I have an orbitz MH w/ 4 T5s. I need to upgrade my 250 watt MH bulbs. Currently they are are 10K lights. I am debating between 14K and 20K lights. Currently my T5 are 2 actinic and 2 10K. I want coral and fish color + coral growth... currently when my MH are on you almost need sunglasses it is so bright. The shimmer is amazing.. If I go with the 14K or the 20K will I lose the shimmer? I do want more color in my fish to show... and I need my coral to grow and I don't want to lose the shimmer. I have a 4 ft 75 gallon reef with yellow tang / mandarin / zoes / xenia / mushrooms / kenya tree / would like to add more coral. Thanks! Neptune

08/02/2016, 03:44 PM	#1106
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	Well...your fish colors won't improve under bluer lights. Fish colors are reflective pigments. They don't fluoresce under blue lighting. Your fish will never look better than they do under 10k halides. And that...is a personal opinion. But...your corals will likely look more vibrant for the most part under 14k-20k lighting. You will not lose shimmer because shimmer isn't a product of spectrum, it's a product of point source + surface agitation. While solid blue light may not appear to shimmer quite as much, it's just because it is darker in nature to our own perception. 14k shimmer won't be any less pronounced than 6500k though to be honest. It's still plenty white enough. All things considered equal, growth rates may vary depending on what region things thrive most at. Your ultra shallow water sps corals may not grow as fast under 20k as they would under 10k, but some deeper water corals may be happier without so much red and UV light hitting them Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09/05/2016, 11:24 PM	#1109
tjnorthdakota Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 51	I just got a current usa 4' light for my 120 standard aqueon tank, it has 2-150w de halides with 4-t5 ho, tank is 26" high so was wondering if the halides by themselves will give enough par for sps or I should throw in some blue plus t5's into the mix instead of actinics? Plan was to use phoenix 14k's with 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus, or 4 actinics, any suggestions?

09/29/2016, 09:00 PM	#1114
Overboard Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 554	Hey Rippster! Thanks for the input. That is very helpful, especially with you having a 36 inch deep tank. I have the same ballasts and it is nice to have the options between 250 and 400 watt. I was thinking of using Radiums on the HQI setting as well, but I might need to add a 4th fixture due to the length of the tank. With that 36 inch depth, are you keeping SPS near the bottom? Of course, with 400 watts, I would think that would clearly possible. Ever check your lighting with a PAR meter? I still need to pick one up. Thanks! Mark __________________ 360 Gallon SPS Display. Lighting is with two 400 watt MH , two Radion G4 X30s, supplemented with old school VHOs for some "pop". Fish - Pair of IO Regal Angels, pair of captive bred Hawaiian Flame

10/12/2016, 02:48 AM	#1116
mamadu Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Russian Federation, Moscow Posts: 4	Hello! First of all, sorry for my English. But I will try to write without translater, it's more interesting )) I have tank with dimensions 55"х27,6"х23,6"(h). I've bought two CoralVue lumen Bright SE pendants and want to combine it with 4 T5 bulbs, but don't know how better to do. I assume the height of MH source is some about 16-20" above water surface and T5 bulbs are 6" above. Initially I wanted to make construction with two longlines, but in this case I can't adjust height of MH source without T5 (it's height is constant). What can I do? Thanks.

10/17/2016, 07:24 AM	#1117
Centerline Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: St Augustine, Florida USA Posts: 5	You will be fine with them all at the same height. No need to run the T5s 6" above the tank. Set the lights at 18" and you will be fine.

10/18/2016, 12:28 PM	#1118
mamadu Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Russian Federation, Moscow Posts: 4	I mean I want to light my tank due MHs are off. Would I use LEDs maybe?

10/23/2016, 07:31 AM	#1119
King Venom Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 85	Hi, I have a 4ft - 18" - 18" I have purchased a dual 150w metal halide unit. Is it going to be powerful enough to punch to the bottom it also has 6 T5's in it. Cheers __________________ Spearfishing - Safe - Selective - Sustainable - Seafood.

10/23/2016, 07:37 AM	#1120
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Yes it will. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

10/23/2016, 07:57 AM	#1121
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	Yeah 18" is very shallow. The t5ho alone would be fine with good reflectors, but the mh will produce nice shimmer and more color options Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11/20/2016, 07:45 AM	#1123
xlzerolx Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 32	18" deep Hello, for an 18" deep tank (48" long and 18" wide) would the 175 watt with a Bali sun reflector be ok? Or should I stick with a 150 watt Cayman sun reflector. I was looking at the new video on metal halides but couldn't find any info on the Bali sun in that video. There will be no t5 supplements. I was also looking at the Bimini fixture but it looked like it would be too much of a focused light. Also I was surprised at how focused the light on the Cayman sun was. I was thinking that a 175watt in a Bali suncwould put out a more even spread than the 150 in a Cayman sun so the par might similar in both fixtures Any experience or comments? Thanks

11/27/2016, 12:54 AM	#1124
reefanatik Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oyster Creek, TX Posts: 450	Has anyone ran a XM10k on an m80 ballast? I currently am running 20k Radiums on a M80 Ballast and am thinking about swapping. Also I just ordered 2 retrofit kits to replace a really old set I was running. I ordered these http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/t5-ho-...-lighting.html __________________ Custom 48x36x24 Planet Aquarium. Vectra L1 return pump, 3 mp40QDs, Ecotech battery backup. 2 MH 20k Radiums with M80 ballast, LET T5 supplemental lighting, Custom BAO sump, 36" Lifereef skimmer wit Current Tank Info: custom 180g PA tank

11/27/2016, 10:46 AM	#1125
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	Yes... the color will shift a bit to the bluer/whiter side and they will put out massive amounts of output. This is/was a very popular choice for hard core SPS people wanting lots of light or have deep tanks.