Halide Q & A - Page 21

Franklin B. · 01/01/2013, 11:05 AM

I'm running two 250w hamiltom HQI ballasts with Phoenix 14k double ended bulbs. The bulbs are 3 months old. My light output on both fixtures seem about half of what it used to be. I'm starting to get worried my ballasts are getting weak. I bought them used. They make a lot of noise when starting. Does anyone have experience with this? If they are getting weak I'm looking at the Cube for replacing them.

sirreal63 · 01/02/2013, 08:25 AM

I would replace them and the Cube is an excellent choice.

Franklin B. · 01/02/2013, 11:10 PM

Ordered 2 Cubes. What adaptor will i need to make them work?

sirreal63 · 01/02/2013, 11:12 PM

They have some on AquaMedics site, but I am not sure which one you will need, I spliced mine.

Franklin B. · 01/09/2013, 06:14 PM

Got the Cubes today. Removed the C20 plugs and wired them direct. Light output is much better. Really like these ballasts. The only thing I didnt like is the C20 plugs. Nobody locally carries them.

sirreal63 · 01/09/2013, 06:29 PM

Good news, it is one of the best made and designed ballasts IMO.

Cajunmillerboy · 01/09/2013, 10:20 PM

I have a 29 gallon ocianic 29 hqi with 150 watt 14 k bulbs.
I am changing to the exotic panorama pro 18" that put out 54 watts.
Wil that be good i have little bit sps some lps and a good bit of softys.

SPotter · 01/13/2013, 07:46 PM

So I am thinking about getting rid of my LED/t5 fixture and going with MH/t5's. I have never owned MH before so I am wondering just how much heat they will create. My fish room gets pretty warm during the summer months as it is and I am concerned that mh's will put it over the top. My canopy is enclosed on three sides and the back opens to the fish room. During the summer my tank temps were hitting 81 while running leds and t5's. I am considering running 2 or 3 x 250w MH with 2 or 4 t5's. How much heat do you think this will create???? I realize that there is no exact answer but if anyone could share their experiences with me, I would greatly appreciate it.

grcforce327 · 01/14/2013, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPotter

So I am thinking about getting rid of my LED/t5 fixture and going with MH/t5's. I have never owned MH before so I am wondering just how much heat they will create. My fish room gets pretty warm during the summer months as it is and I am concerned that mh's will put it over the top. My canopy is enclosed on three sides and the back opens to the fish room. During the summer my tank temps were hitting 81 while running leds and t5's. I am considering running 2 or 3 x 250w MH with 2 or 4 t5's. How much heat do you think this will create???? I realize that there is no exact answer but if anyone could share their experiences with me, I would greatly appreciate it.

You may be battling the heat. I have a 120g(two 250's) in my bedroom,and at 60 degrees outside temp and both windows open,I can't control the temp. I'm actually studying the LED options.

mchammer · 01/30/2013, 06:26 PM

I just set up my MH lights for my 120 gallon DT and I was wondering if I should cover my lights with glass. I'm using mogul 250 W lights. I'm not looking for the UV protection, just to protect my bulbs from water splashing on them. The bulbs sit 7" above the water

sirreal63 · 01/30/2013, 06:32 PM

You can, it also helps protect the reflector from salt spray.

mchammer · 01/30/2013, 06:41 PM

Do most reefers cover there lights with glass? When looking through the pictures I only see glass on double ended MH lights. Covering them won't cause heat issues?

sirreal63 · 01/30/2013, 07:34 PM

Depends on the reflector, some are vented to allow heat to escape, some aren't.

tst400 · 01/30/2013, 09:39 PM

Im curious..... I hear so much about the heat from mh, are the lights right on the water??? I dont ask to be rude but I run 3 250 watt and.4 80 watt t5, my fixture is about 10 in off the water and I get maybe 2.5 degree fluctuation.. And I live in Phoenix with a wife that wont let the AC below 78(drives me nuts by the way)

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

sirreal63 · 01/30/2013, 10:06 PM

Some setups manage heat properly, some don't, the ones who have heat problems usually lack adequate ventilation. FWIW I had more heat issues wih retro T5's in a canopy than I ever did with halides. I have no fans or chiller on my tank, we keep the house at 76 to 78 and I have to use a heater to keep the tank from getting too cool.

dave sullivan · 02/06/2013, 06:04 PM

I use a 14,000k MH with vho actinic and 50/50 florescences and I get great colors.

dave sullivan · 02/06/2013, 06:05 PM

I also recommend using approx. 4-6 times wattages per gallon.

stpatrick · 02/19/2013, 05:38 PM

I am second guessing my lighting for my 24" deep sps tank. I went with a 250 watt m80 ballast and radium bulb combo. I love the color. Crisp white with a hint of blue. I am thinking I should have went with a 400 watt system. What ballast will push the 400 watt radium bulb and have it look as white as the 250 watt m80 ballast?

HumbleFish · 03/02/2013, 10:09 PM

Hello,
I'm currently running (2) 250w 20K Radiums on a Galaxy 250 watt ballast. My bulbs are getting old and need to be replaced, so I'm considering one of these:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...50&pcatid=3850

I'm trying to decide between the 250w 14K and 20K. Will both work with my ballast? Opinions/suggestions?

sirreal63 · 03/03/2013, 11:35 AM

Your ballast will work with both of them, no problems.

HumbleFish · 03/03/2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirreal63

Your ballast will work with both of them, no problems.

Thanks!

biecacka · 03/03/2013, 09:02 PM

Jack, I'm considering that reflector and a good bulb combination as we speak. It's a tough call!
Thanks buddy
Corey

sirreal63 · 03/03/2013, 09:07 PM

The hard part now will be to find it, BRS is out of stock. If you find them let me know.

biecacka · 03/04/2013, 11:31 AM

I actually have 2 that I loaned a buddy a few yrs back to grow veggies here in the winter. A way he could start them early and keep them in later if needed. I might see if he still needs them both?? I think. It was the large on like 22/22/9 or something. Which one is that?

Corey

sirreal63 · 03/04/2013, 12:04 PM

That is the large one. If he doesn't need them and you want to sell the other one, let me know.

01/02/2013, 08:25 AM	#502
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	I would replace them and the Cube is an excellent choice. __________________ 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.

01/02/2013, 11:12 PM	#504
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	They have some on AquaMedics site, but I am not sure which one you will need, I spliced mine. __________________ 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.

01/09/2013, 06:29 PM	#506
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Good news, it is one of the best made and designed ballasts IMO. __________________ 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.

01/09/2013, 10:20 PM	#507
Cajunmillerboy Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 13	Metal halide are led for biocube I have a 29 gallon ocianic 29 hqi with 150 watt 14 k bulbs. I am changing to the exotic panorama pro 18" that put out 54 watts. Wil that be good i have little bit sps some lps and a good bit of softys.

01/13/2013, 07:46 PM	#508
SPotter Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 5,691	So I am thinking about getting rid of my LED/t5 fixture and going with MH/t5's. I have never owned MH before so I am wondering just how much heat they will create. My fish room gets pretty warm during the summer months as it is and I am concerned that mh's will put it over the top. My canopy is enclosed on three sides and the back opens to the fish room. During the summer my tank temps were hitting 81 while running leds and t5's. I am considering running 2 or 3 x 250w MH with 2 or 4 t5's. How much heat do you think this will create???? I realize that there is no exact answer but if anyone could share their experiences with me, I would greatly appreciate it. __________________ Steve Am I really doing all of this for a fish tank?????? Current Tank Info: 360g Envision Acrylic Tank, Closed Loops, Vectra L1's, MP40QD's, 400w Radiums, Regal 300ext, Dastaco Ext3 CaRx, Controlled by GHL Profilux

01/01/2013, 11:05 AM	#501
Franklin B. Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 65	I'm running two 250w hamiltom HQI ballasts with Phoenix 14k double ended bulbs. The bulbs are 3 months old. My light output on both fixtures seem about half of what it used to be. I'm starting to get worried my ballasts are getting weak. I bought them used. They make a lot of noise when starting. Does anyone have experience with this? If they are getting weak I'm looking at the Cube for replacing them.

01/02/2013, 11:10 PM	#503
Franklin B. Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 65	Ordered 2 Cubes. What adaptor will i need to make them work?

01/09/2013, 06:14 PM	#505
Franklin B. Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 65	Got the Cubes today. Removed the C20 plugs and wired them direct. Light output is much better. Really like these ballasts. The only thing I didnt like is the C20 plugs. Nobody locally carries them.

01/30/2013, 06:26 PM	#510
mchammer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 293	I just set up my MH lights for my 120 gallon DT and I was wondering if I should cover my lights with glass. I'm using mogul 250 W lights. I'm not looking for the UV protection, just to protect my bulbs from water splashing on them. The bulbs sit 7" above the water

01/30/2013, 06:32 PM	#511
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	You can, it also helps protect the reflector from salt spray. __________________ 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.

01/30/2013, 06:41 PM	#512
mchammer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 293	Do most reefers cover there lights with glass? When looking through the pictures I only see glass on double ended MH lights. Covering them won't cause heat issues?

01/30/2013, 07:34 PM	#513
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Depends on the reflector, some are vented to allow heat to escape, some aren't. __________________ 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.

01/30/2013, 09:39 PM	#514
tst400 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: phoenix az Posts: 184	Im curious..... I hear so much about the heat from mh, are the lights right on the water??? I dont ask to be rude but I run 3 250 watt and.4 80 watt t5, my fixture is about 10 in off the water and I get maybe 2.5 degree fluctuation.. And I live in Phoenix with a wife that wont let the AC below 78(drives me nuts by the way) Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

01/30/2013, 10:06 PM	#515
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Some setups manage heat properly, some don't, the ones who have heat problems usually lack adequate ventilation. FWIW I had more heat issues wih retro T5's in a canopy than I ever did with halides. I have no fans or chiller on my tank, we keep the house at 76 to 78 and I have to use a heater to keep the tank from getting too cool. __________________ 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.

02/06/2013, 06:04 PM	#516
dave sullivan Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: green bay Posts: 50	I use a 14,000k MH with vho actinic and 50/50 florescences and I get great colors.

02/06/2013, 06:05 PM	#517
dave sullivan Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: green bay Posts: 50	I also recommend using approx. 4-6 times wattages per gallon.

02/19/2013, 05:38 PM	#518
stpatrick Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Encinitas , CA Posts: 234	I am second guessing my lighting for my 24" deep sps tank. I went with a 250 watt m80 ballast and radium bulb combo. I love the color. Crisp white with a hint of blue. I am thinking I should have went with a 400 watt system. What ballast will push the 400 watt radium bulb and have it look as white as the 250 watt m80 ballast?

03/02/2013, 10:09 PM	#519
HumbleFish Moved On Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 4,757	Hello, I'm currently running (2) 250w 20K Radiums on a Galaxy 250 watt ballast. My bulbs are getting old and need to be replaced, so I'm considering one of these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...50&pcatid=3850 I'm trying to decide between the 250w 14K and 20K. Will both work with my ballast? Opinions/suggestions?

03/03/2013, 11:35 AM	#520
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Your ballast will work with both of them, no problems. __________________ 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.

03/03/2013, 09:02 PM	#522
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	Jack, I'm considering that reflector and a good bulb combination as we speak. It's a tough call! Thanks buddy Corey

03/03/2013, 09:07 PM	#523
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	The hard part now will be to find it, BRS is out of stock. If you find them let me know. __________________ 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.

03/04/2013, 11:31 AM	#524
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	I actually have 2 that I loaned a buddy a few yrs back to grow veggies here in the winter. A way he could start them early and keep them in later if needed. I might see if he still needs them both?? I think. It was the large on like 22/22/9 or something. Which one is that? Corey

03/04/2013, 12:04 PM	#525
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	That is the large one. If he doesn't need them and you want to sell the other one, let me know. __________________ 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.