Considering Light Upgrade

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008.

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  1. BaxterS80

    BaxterS80 Pajama Cardinal

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    I am seriously considering upgrading to MH lighting. The only requirement is that they do not hang from the wall. Want a tank top install. I am considering the Current USA 72 inch Outer Orbit 3x150w 10K HQI-MH w/ 8x39W T5 HO & 24 Lunar Lights.

    Does anyone have experience with this system? Any thoughts?8)
     
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
    #1

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  2. norman.stormin

    norman.stormin Plankton

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    Recently upgraded to the Outer Orbits 2x 250 MHs + 4x 39 T5s with the blue & white LEDs. Quality is much better than the Coralife CFs I had before.

    Mounting legs come with, and so do several timers. Not sure, but I think the 150s may have electronic ballasts built in (the 250s are external). Check bigalsonline.com- got a very nice price (although they don't have free shipping, but if you find it cheaper elsewhere they will adjust their price to under that by 5%).

    Very high quality, fans are probably mediumly noisy.
     
    norman.stormin, Jan 9, 2008
    norman.stormin, Jan 9, 2008
    #2
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  3. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    You will not be sorry you chose MH's. There won't be any limitations in your tank as far as coral go.
     
    Otty, Jan 9, 2008
    Otty, Jan 9, 2008
    #3
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  4. KOgle

    KOgle Zoanthid

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    +1 on that Otty.
     
    KOgle, Jan 9, 2008
    KOgle, Jan 9, 2008
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  5. Scott Osborne

    Scott Osborne Feather Duster

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    What size tank is that for? Or more specifically depth?

    I currently have DE HQI bulbs but in my next tank I will use Moguls. I think the bulb selection is much better for moguls.

    That hood you listed has a heck of a lot of T5s in it. Are all those for Actinic lighting?
     
    Scott Osborne, Jan 9, 2008
    Scott Osborne, Jan 9, 2008
    #5
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  6. BaxterS80

    BaxterS80 Pajama Cardinal

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    Scott it is a 72gal bowed depth is 21 " with a 3 inch sandbed....8)

    Thank you, Norman, Otty, and K0gle
     
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
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  7. BaxterS80

    BaxterS80 Pajama Cardinal

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    I am wondering if 500 w for a 72 gal might be too much. Should I go with 300(2x150) watt with 4x54 T5's?
     
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
    #7
  8. aquaboy

    aquaboy Panda Puffer

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    ive got dual 250's on a 55 gal......
     
    aquaboy, Jan 9, 2008
    aquaboy, Jan 9, 2008
    #8
  9. BaxterS80

    BaxterS80 Pajama Cardinal

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    Hey Aquaboy, what are you keeping in the tank? Any problems with coral burn or bleaching?
     
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
    BaxterS80, Jan 9, 2008
    #9
  10. aquaboy

    aquaboy Panda Puffer

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    um, ive got a hammer coral, a couple florida (Flo Rida, lol) ricordias that are orange and one thats neon green. a devils hand leather, some zoas, green starburst polyps, and a nice happy head o' xenia. they are all easy to keep beginner corals, as i consider myself "fresh" to reefing. im gonna et alot more, dont worry. Ive got my lfs owner looking for a nice colorfu brain coral for me........ oh and my B-Day is in march........so even more then :D
     
    aquaboy, Jan 9, 2008
    aquaboy, Jan 9, 2008
    #10
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