PC Lighting vs MH Lighting?-Reef Lighting - Page 2-3reef Forums

gamma · 03-18-2004, 11:54 AM

Ok, I just came back from the LFS, and I upgraded my lighting from PC (4x96w) to 2-175w MH & 2x96w VHO lighting. My tank will have a ht of 24". Will this be ok?

On another note, because I'm going to MH they have to modify the canopy as well increasing it's height.

03-18-2004, 12:14 PM

[quote author=GaMmA link=board=lighting;num=1079628479;start=0#10 date=03/18/04 at 14:54:15]Ok, I just came back from the LFS, and I upgraded my lighting from PC (4x96w) to 2-175w MH & 2x96w VHO lighting. *My tank will have a ht of 24". *Will this be ok?

On another note, because I'm going to MH they have to modify the canopy as well increasing it's height. *[/quote]

Don't you mean 110 watt VHO because they don't make a 96 watt for VHO that would be a PC light at 96 watts.

Atleast thats the way it was when setting mine up... anyone?

gamma · 03-18-2004, 12:34 PM

You're right. I meant 110w. (still trying to things straight)

Craig recommended I go w/ 2-250w.

My LFS thought the dual 175w MH 10K & dual 110w VHO w/actinic setup would be better for me.

What do you guys think? Is this adequate?

hottielover14 · 03-18-2004, 01:26 PM

i have a 55 gal. aquarium and I use 260 watts of PC. I think it's pretty awsome. It's almost 5 watt/gal. I have 130 watt of actinic and 130 watt of 10000K.

Matt Rogers · 03-18-2004, 03:18 PM

Yeah 5w/gallon is a good rule of thumb.

[quote author=GaMmA link=board=lighting;num=1079628479;start=0#12 date=03/18/04 at 15:34:53]
My LFS thought the dual 175w MH 10K & dual 110w VHO w/actinic *setup would be better for me.

What do you guys think? Is this adequate?[/quote]

Gamma you are working with 4.3 which should be fine. Although personally, I'd probably do the 250s myself, but it's not all about the watts. THing is, you will find a lot more options in bulbs with 250s.

THe smaller the halide bulb the more limited your options will be. I have a 150w single ended bulb and I had to really dig to find a good bulb. Look on the links library here and you will find many links to help you do your homework.

03-18-2004, 03:48 PM

I would go with the 250 watts MH and the 2 VHO setup. eballast can use a wide range of bulbs.
by the way nothing compares to MH. The PAR is what counts.

gamma · 03-18-2004, 04:32 PM

Thanks guys (for making me broke)

. Another trip to the LFS it is to make another upgrade, but that's OK

.

It's great to have you guys as a resource. Getting into this hobby has made me realize that I'm spending my $$$ on the wrong things:

- food
- utilities
- car pmt
- mortgage pmt
- my portfolio
- girlfriend (hope she doesn't see this)

My paycheck really ALL needs to go towards creating the best reef aquarium. How could I have been so blind all these years?

[glow=red,2,300]More $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$.[/glow]

GaMmA

What a great hobby!!!

Matt Rogers · 03-18-2004, 04:37 PM

[smiley=biglaugh.gif]

I can't believe your girlfriend came in last. heh. If she reads that I think you can rearrange your list!

gamma · 03-18-2004, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Posted by: Matt RogersPosted on: Today at 6:18pm
Yeah 5w/gallon is a good rule of thumb.

Gamma you are working with 4.3 which should be fine. Although personally, I'd probably do the 250s myself, but it's not all about the watts. THing is, you will find a lot more options in bulbs with 250s.

If I went w/ the dual MH250's & dual VHO110's that would take me to 720w = 6w/g.

Will that be too much wattage?

GaMmA

Matt Rogers · 03-18-2004, 04:45 PM

Heck no. That would be great.

Some people with SPS corals go all the way to 10w/gallon.

In fact, my tank is about 15 gallons of water, so that's what I have with my 150 bulb. My only problem - heat.

Too many watts on a reef tank takes a bit of effort, but too much heat is another thing... start thinking about how you are going to cool your tank down.