Free For All

[soulfish]

HelloHello

This is a Free For All !!

I would like to hear some LIGHTING suggestions out there !!

Lighting systems that are running 75 gallon tanks,,Hard and Soft corals...

Then I'm going to make my choice by ,, yes you the voter ..

So let'em fly , I need ta buy ..

[omard]

Hiya "soulfish" --- hope you don't mind me chiming in here...almost identical post I was about to put up...

I am moving up to a 75 gallon tank from a 55 (can't go bigger right now due to space) --

Will birng along 48 inch PowerCompact with Moonlight fixture from CustomSeaLife. Comes with two 65 watt 10,000K bulbs, two 65 watt Ultra-Actinic bulbs.

Want more...

Has to fit with above: New Tank ("All-Glass" 48x18x20 with sump system)

I too, "..I need ta buy .."

???

THX

OmarD

[soulfish]

Omar
we a running the same set up !!
I too have a all-glass with the new mega-flow !!!
Need some lights !!!

What were you cooking under the CS ??

[Jason McKenzie]

Well If you want LPS, SPS and sot coral. There is only one lighting choice IMO MH.

I would suggest 2x250W 10000K with 2x110VHO atinics.

If you have the cash I would go with an HQI Ballast as well


Jason

[omard]

Hear ya Jason...am going to add the MH (as soon as I figure out how to afford them)

Who sells a 48" 2x250W 10000K fixture?..or do I have to self build? - remember is add-on to exisiting lights -

Oh..has to "look good" also -

Om

[Jason McKenzie]

Just found this site.

http://www.aquariumlight.com/product_info.asp?dbid=245

Don't know the quality but mane the price is right

J

[Jason McKenzie]

I'm not sure you are going to be able to add to your existing fixture. Unless you were willing to build your own hood and rip the housing off your current lights then rewire them into your new hood with the addition of the MH.

That would be why I have two 110 PC fixtures in my storage closet [smiley=annoyed.gif]

[omard]

Jason, Soulfish, et.al.

Can see there is much to learn about MH lighting

Marine Depot offers what appears to be close to the same system as you found for a bit less:

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_lt_mh_ht.asp?CartId=

Metal Halide Lighting System
Deluxe Aluminum Hood Systems
Features:
FREE SHIPPING! Save $35-$105 Value!
High quality canopy with glossy black exteror and electro-white high reflective corrosionproof finish for interior of canopy
T-1 super quiet ball bearing cooling fan
UV stabilized absorbing lens
Optional 2nd fan for extra heat displacement. Very useful for reef systems!!!
Very versatile. You can upgrade your order to higher wattage and kelvin MH bulbs. You have the option to chose between: STD (standard output flourescent bulbs), VHO (very output flourescent bulbs), or PC (compact bulbs).
11 1/2" wide and 6 1/4" high. All lamps are included.
Remote ventilated, enclosed ballast with 10' power cord
Independent on/off controls for Metal Halide and fluorescent lights
Amp quick-disconnect plugs to ease connection and disconnection between fixture and ballast

4' $449.00

2nd fan upgrade $32 (?)

Then we have "bulbs" & "ballast" to contend with for either system - (what is a "ballast" do/good for anyway? )

Am not ready to give up on my moonlite right away. - will probably have to do for a while till I can afford the lighting system I want for long run.

Note: am also in current "negtiation" with spouse about "allowing" me an additional 6" of living room space to allow upgrade to 120 gal. - getting one door open, leads to another, and another, etc...

Rgds,

Omar

[omard]

Ohhh...am such a "web junkie"...just found:

FAQs about Metal Halide Lights and Lighting for Marine Systems 1

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/se.../mhmarfaqs.htm

Much to study here...should keep me busy thru week-end, maybe longer.

Will be able to ask more "intelligent" questions later...

Rgds

OmarD

[seawillow]

Following along here...I, too, need a new lighting system for my 75....the tank is sorta at a standstill as I'm still using my PC from the 45...not quite long enough and I want more watts per gallon. I am looking towards the MH, PC systems...lotta money, though!!!