headed down the final strech... last min advice on which MH to get...THANKS

vitaldefect001 · #1 06/02/2005, 06:47 AM

hopefully ordering them in a few days...
basicly boils down to DUAL 150's or DUAL 250's and a few other varables...

OPTION 1:
-2x: Pfo mini pendent 250w (hqi)
-Pfo dual 250w ballast
-2x: 14k 250w halamaton HQI bulbs

OPTION 2:
-2x: Pfo mini pendent 150w
-Pfo dual 150w ballast
-2x: 14.5k 150w megachrome marine HQI bulbs

question time

-how much more heat would the dual 250's give off, then the dual 150's?

-i'm running 3x 110w and 2x96w pc's whcih is around a total of 500w, is that comairable with the amout of heat i would see with the dual 250's?

-if i go with the ~14k's is actinic suplmetation nesesary?

-how high should i hang the 150's or the 250's above the tank, since some hang thirs as low a 6'' and some as high as 12''?

thanks,
brandon

biohazard · #2 06/02/2005, 07:31 AM

Id go 250 hqi....use german bulbs like ab or ushio....and yes id use vho....could all ways through in the pcs.....for some extra punch!

Take a ride over to Keith M, and look at his set up....prob one of the best ive ever seen!!

Kenny.

silkchaos · #3 06/02/2005, 12:50 PM

Don't listen to him.. you don't want your VHOs... Continue with your plan of selling them.

sailfinreef · #4 06/02/2005, 06:53 PM

KEEP THEM!!!!

woowoodengy · #5 06/02/2005, 07:03 PM

250's dont get stuck with 150's its a waist imo

gary greguire · #6 06/02/2005, 07:16 PM

I like the ice cap 250w balasts and you can run any bulb on them.

Definatly stick with your vho even if you only use them for dawn & dusk.

bpd964 · #7 06/02/2005, 07:19 PM

I have 3x 250w icecaps
and VHO's now for before and after halide cycle...

You won't regret it..

vitaldefect001 · #8 06/02/2005, 07:25 PM

what if i use teh pc's insted of the vho's

thanks

silkchaos · #9 06/02/2005, 09:07 PM

sigh... I suspect I will be buying my VHOs from someone else...

Ellery4u · #10 06/02/2005, 11:20 PM

I would suggest the 2 250W PFO Dual ballast system - I have those in a DYI canopy with a recycled blower fan and it made a big difference in the heating. I also made a moonlight LED bar as well running on counter timers.

I don't use any Actinic and everything grows very well with the iwasakis I have.

LFS_worker · #11 06/03/2005, 08:33 AM

My undrestanding is that you dont need the VHO but they are a very nice suppliment to what you plan to run.
I also like option #1

The heat from the HQI lamps will be alot higher. (Make sure you get the UV filter lens.

As far as hanging the pendant start high then you can lower it as you see fit. I started mine at about 10" and it finally worked its way down to about 7". This will also help from burning corals But still acclimate them to the new light.

All IMO
Good Luck

bigboy2004 · #12 06/04/2005, 09:36 AM

you can get a better mix of actinic light using the pc's. downside is there more expensive than vho's and don't last as long. meaning your going to be spending a bit more on bulb replacements. but i think the advantage of being able to have option of running different color (nm's) of pc's is well worth it, if you don't mind spending more cash..

bigboy2004 · #13 06/04/2005, 09:44 AM

oh yeah, HQI's are hot.. I have yet to find a coral that doesn't repond well to my light. there's alot more factors than light to have a sps/lps tank that i'am sure your looking for. IMO, some tanks running double ended halides end up being to intense for some corals, and the heat issue can be a pain as well.
just some thoughts..