250 watt bulb to 150 watt bulb

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by Kevin_E, May 2, 2013.

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  1. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    I only have a 20 gallon tank, so I think 150 watts would be more than enough. The driver is a 250 watt Hamilton. Any issue with running a bulb rated lower than the driver?

    I'm thinking of going with the Phoenix 14k bulb. My bulb is too yellow. I think it's gone bad (Hamilton 250 watt bulb).
     
    Kevin_E, May 2, 2013
    Kevin_E, May 2, 2013
    #1

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  2. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    It will blow it!
     
    Daniel072, May 2, 2013
    Daniel072, May 2, 2013
    #2
  3. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Well we don't want that. Guess I'll have to buy the 250 watt version.
     
    Kevin_E, May 2, 2013
    Kevin_E, May 2, 2013
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1

    OTOH, you could always change the ballast. I agree, 250w is a lot for that tank. You may have issues with acclimating anything.
     
    Mr. Bill, May 3, 2013
    Mr. Bill, May 3, 2013
    #4
  5. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Well everything has already been acclimated. Replacing the bulb my be can issue though. Figured this was an opportuniy to lower the wattage, didn't realize the thing would blow. No big deal. A new 250 watt bulb is fine.
     
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
    #5
  6. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    $55 for a Phoenix 14K 250 watt bulb w/ free shipping. Thoughts?
     
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
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  7. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Yea, my thoughts were:
    When are you getting a bigger tank?

    ;-)
     
    Todd_Sails, May 3, 2013
    Todd_Sails, May 3, 2013
    #7
  8. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    The better question is, "when are you setting up the bigger tank"?

    I have a 55 gallon tank, partially completed canopy and partially completed stand. The answer is unknown. Fall, perhaps?
     
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
    #8
  9. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

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    That sound about right. I love my Phoenix 14k, They are more blue than other 14k's but I like that.
     
    pgoodsell, May 3, 2013
    pgoodsell, May 3, 2013
    #9
  10. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Me too. I want a bluer look but with the growth of a 14K.
     
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
    Kevin_E, May 3, 2013
    #10
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