what type bulb metal halides

[bluetimes]

I bought some hanging halides from a friend 175 w have a reef tank bulbs are 1 year old how long are these bulbs intensity good for a year? what is the best bulb to get the 50/50 look in my tank with two of these hanging lights? could also put two actinic pcs with these. (rather not though) any help is great!

[espi360]

What spectrum are the 175> I assume 65k . Provided you have an american screw in base, Custom Sealife makes a good bulb.
the PC are a good addition. Id recomend using the Custom Seas also. If you have Euro style lamps ( polar pins) then JBJ makes decent PC and HQI makes a good 65 K bulb halide. Hope this helps

[espi360]

oops, The bulbs will last around 20,000 hours depending on the running tempatures and how long they ran for. I replace mine every 8 months, but I tend to be A.R. about my lights.

[bluetimes]

how do you tell american or euro new to this. have not got light get them when friend comes up this weekend any help thanks

[griss]

Blue,

If you are getting 175 watt halides, the bulbs have a mogul base. To get the 50/50 look you are wanting you have several options.

1. 10000K metal halides (MH)
2. 6500K MH supplemented with actinic or PC actinic
3. 12000K MH
4. 20000K MH
5. 20000K MH supplemented with 50/50 or daylight bulbs

I know this can be confusing, but if you tell us what animals you would like to keep, we might be able to make better recommendations.

Also, lighting is probably the most debated part of this hobby. You can ask 50 people what lighting is the best and get possibly 50 different answers.

Try checking out other reefers tanks or look at others websites by clicking on the link in their signature here on RC and see what kind of lighting you like best.

Griss

[espi360]

I agree with beetle juice.. oops I mean Gris (LOL) Lighting is tough. I tend to favor MH having had all the rest and not been impressed. MH will demand optimum water quality to preform at its best, as VHO and NO will not have yellowing waters as a majior factor to intensity nor to color spectrum shifting effects as seen in major reprocussions on the fauna nor flora in a reef tank.IMO if halides are afforadable by all means use them. although the bulb temp may be higher in output, the intensity increases corespondingly. Heat can be delt with, lack of light is far more deadly. Just my final 8 cents, the first .02 are free.

[zinger]

An additional question to this thread, where do people like to go to purchase their metal halides? I'm going for two 400's and two 250's for my 150 Gallon tank, and I'm planning on doing half 10k's and half 20k's.

tnx

[griss]

Zinger,

Do you want to purchase a plug and play lighting system or do you want to save a little money and build it yourself?

You can purchase quality MH systems and DIY parts from many of our sponsors. Just click on "RC Sponsors" at the top of this page.

Griss

[zinger]

Sorry guys, I should have been more specific. Where do people like to buy their MH bulbs?

[kjazlaw0]

http://www.hellolights.com/

or

http://www.oceanencounter.com/