Metal Halide Question

CG · 02-03-2004, 03:53 PM

Right now I have a 160 watt powercompact with two actinics. I'm wondering if a 6500K 250W would be better? I would still need actinics right? I'm asking if it's better because I'm not sure about the whole 6,500K thing. The bulbs i have in my powercompact are 10,000k

freyja · 02-03-2004, 04:34 PM

hmmmm, i'm prettty new at the whole lighting thing, but I think i remember hearing to always get 10000k or better for a reef tank,,, and i just ordered a 250 halide,, my friend said to keep the blue actinics (2 of them) on the tank... so there's 2 cents for thought,, just what i was told

CG · 02-04-2004, 03:34 PM

Well, if you had a ballast that could support a 400 watt output, are the 6,500K and 10,000K bulbs interchangable as long as their both 400 watts

Gresham · 02-04-2004, 03:46 PM

6500k is close to noon time at the equator. Just fine for reefs. All my PC's used to be 6500k until CSL did away with the 6500 for a 10,000K. As far as the 6500K and 10,000K MH bulbs being interchangeable, depends on the mogul (base) and type (HQI, Pulse start, etc.).

CG · 02-04-2004, 03:54 PM

So are the advantages of having 10,000 worth the extra bling bling$$

02-05-2004, 01:03 AM

the price at www.hellolights.com is nice.
the XM 10,000 is rated very good. $65

http://www.hellolights.com/250watt.html

omard · 02-05-2004, 02:20 AM

Heyya Nautilus..

Even cheaper here:

Inreef.com - Innotative Reef Solutions

XM 250 watt 10000k bulb #16145

http://www.inreef.com/xcart/customer...6145&cat=0

XM 250 watt 10000k bulb #16145
XM 250 watt 10000k Metal Halide bulb.

Quantity 4 item(s) available
Weight 1.00 lbs
Price: $ 57.99

"Joe" took great care of me on a mistaken shipping order (made on my part) and even "ate" the "shipping costs" on resending!

Look at his "SCWD" price! - have never seen anywhere else this low -

Don't know about other stock - but his "lighting" prices are great!

FWIW

OmarD

CG · 02-05-2004, 09:36 AM

So would 6,500K support giant clams?

One more question is this everything I need (besides canopy) for a MH set up: 400 Watt MH DIY Kit - includes 400W MH unassembled magnetic ballast, MH 400W 6500K bulb, mogul socket, and mounting bracket

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...oduct=MH400DIY

Just how "unassembled" is it? i.e. power cord, on/off switch

Gresham · 02-05-2004, 12:01 PM

Quote:

So are the advantages of having 10,000 worth the extra bling bling$$

Blue penetrates deeper down, 10,000K is bluer then 6500 but not as blue as a 20,000k. So, if you have a deeper tank, yah its worth it. It's mainly a personal preference though, what do you want your tank to look like? Are you trying th achieve a shallow water environment or deeper water? The deeper you want it to look, the bluer the bulb you want.

Quote:

So would 6,500K support giant clams?

Yes and no. Yes, if you supply the clam with the proper amount of light (kelvin is only a color rating) and no if you don't supply it with enough light.

Quote:

Just how "unassembled" is it? i.e. power cord, on/off switch

looks like you have to provide the wire, switch and plug. Orchards or home depot can supply you with a pigtail for it, some wire nuts, wire and a switch. Putting all that together is really easy, don't worry.

Gresham · 02-05-2004, 12:02 PM

Oh, and yes, IMO you still need actinics.