More Metal Halide Questions

[jstlsn]

Ok, all this talk about Metal Halide Lighting has made me think of more questions. Well, I am pretty sure I want 250W 10,000K bulbs. I am also pretty sure that I want an electronic ballast. But, what is the difference between German, Aqauline, Ushio, ALS, Iwasaki, Radium, and Coralife bulbs? Do they look different? Do they only work in certain ballasts?

Also, what is HQI Metal Halide Setup?

Thanks
Brad

[David P]

I am doing some research my self but Ill see if I can help... First HQI is actually a "line" or type of bulb manufactured by a name that I cant think of right now. Generally they are doubled ended, do not have a UV protective coating (requiring a shield) Generally HQI refers to any brand of double ended bulb. Radiums are known as the 20KK bulb, pretty blue and many people feel you dont need actinic suplimantaion. German mean... they're German. I cant remember but either Ushi or Iwasakis are actually Mercury Vapor, and not actually Metal Halide. I believe they are 6700k wich looks kinda yellow, but has some of the highest PAR ratings which help your corals grow. As far as I know the other names listed are simply brand names... I am sure I stand to be corrected but hey thats cool, were all here to learn:)

[jstlsn]

Thanks for the info David.

So, other then being a double ended bulb, do HQI setups provide anything that a single ended bulb does not? Is an HQI setup better then a regular setup?

Also, seeing as there are so many different brands of bulbs, what is the best brand for a 250W 10,000K bulb?

Thanks
Brad

[gixxerrder1371]

Check this out .... im going to do it shortly...

$100 MH Setup. (http://aquarium.union.rpi.edu/articles/DIY_MH.html)


This arcticle points out alot of what is the best for the buck

[jstlsn]

Thanks for the link. Looks tempting, but I am afraid to mess with electrical stuff. Don't want to burn down the house.

Anyone else have any info on HQIs?

Thanks
Brad

[piercho]

A general article on HID lighting components for reef tanks:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/jg/index.htm

HQI has become a fairly non-specific term within the reef hobby, but it is generally applied to lamps that require ballasts with an ignitor to start. A double ended lamp will always be "HQI". European single ended lamps are often "HQI". http://members.fortunecity.com/paulerik/id33.htm

I can't keep up with all the common names of lamps. Here are a few links that may provide the kind of information that you are looking for:
http://www.pfolighting.com/new%20pfoAq/AQFrames.htm
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/s/b/sbj4/aquarium/ballast%20comparison/ballast-comparison.html

Here are my opinions:

I use 250W Iwasaki 6500K MV lamps, and these have good color rendering, good spectral stability over life, good output, and fairly long useful life. Many people find that their tanks appear too green under Iwasaki bulbs alone, and supplement with blue or violet "actinic" flourescent bulbs. Ushio 10KK bulbs, both single ended and double ended, will give similar performance. Ushios have a strong output in the violet range, and many people call then "whiter" or "crisper" when viewed through water than Iwasakis.

There is a whole group of bulbs with strong output in the blue spectra. A popular one is the "Radium 20KK". Venture 10KK, Coralife 20KK, and ALS 12KK also have strong spectral output in the blue range. These bulbs have less output than Iwasaki/Ushio and a shorter useful life. Many people consider the color produced in their tanks by these bulbs to be superior to tanks illuminated by Ushio/Iwasaki. Blue bulbs often are not supplemented with flourescents.

[oz]

I went with the PC instead of the MH. When I was looking to buy the lights, I read that MH gives out harmful UV and since I have 2 small kids who would be looking up at the lights when they're infront of the aquarium so I went with PC instead.

I have a 4x96 watt PC, half actinic and half 10000K for my 55 gallon. My next tank, I think might try MH. I like clams and am told that MH is essential and PC won't do.

Is it true what they say about MH and harmful UV especially with kids looking up at the MH lights ?