250 MH or 400 MH's?????? - Page 2

UnderWaterParadise · 12-04-2003, 05:28 PM

If you have no over heating issues I would go with the 400's. I run 3x250w on my 135g and if I could afford a chiller I would go with 400's. Remember it is easier to trade down then it is up if you were to change your mind down the road. JMO

Maxx · 12-04-2003, 07:12 PM

Quote:

I don't care about the light bill, I just want to be able to keep Anything in the Tank, Clams, SPS, LPS, etc.

Almost everything I have been reading says that 250 DE's put out as much PAR as the 400w Mogul based bulbs. With that in mind I would say that you can keep anything in the tank that requires light to live. The added bonus is that you get to save money doing that. I know what you mean about not caring about the light bill....but why waste money?
At least one 400w ballast that I'm aware of (PFO HQI) will overdrive most bulbs....requireing them to be replaced more often...$$$$. I personally went with the Icecap E ballasts in 250 w variety so that I can have flexibility in my lighting, (E-ballasts will run all bulbs of the correct wattage properly, no overdriving), so I'm not tied to a particular combination of Bulb and Ballast.

Quote:

I also have noticed that double ended MH is not worth the price and heat, IMO single enders are much more economical and less a need for chiller. There was an article in advance aquarist, that tested a 175w SE to a 150w DE 10k, and the DE is hardly any better, but DE also should be further off the water (cause of the heat).

Could you please tell me which issue of advanced aquarist ran this test? I would like to read the article. Also, 150 watt doesnt translate straight over to 250 watt. The ballasts are different as are the bulbs available. So this isnt a valid comparison. Heat may very well something to keep in mind, but the heat from a 400 w will be close to that of a 250 watt DE, so wheres the advantage?

Quote:

If you don't plan on a chiller and are goin with 10k or lower, definitely go 250's

Why??? there are several good 20K 250 watt bulbs available currently....Here is a link to Joe Burger's (JBNY here and @ RC) homepage. he is doing a very comprehensive study concerning PAR values of 250 w SE bulbs. He has also been kind enough to paste pics of each bulb over his tank , (w/ and w/o actinics on) to show what the appearance is. Here is a link to teh thread @ RC w/ ALL the details. Here is a link to a thread on MH ballasts. It will tell more than you ever wanted to know about them and should help you make a decision.
Like Wood said...it's all a matter of preference. I had good reasons for choosing what I did. I'm sure that either way you go Pro, you'll do just fine.
Nick

wooddood · 12-04-2003, 07:19 PM

maxx thanks,i think you are gonna save me alot of money my friend.thank you. dave.

Pro_builder · 12-04-2003, 11:26 PM

Maxx, Thanks for all the inf oand research that you have done for me.
I am going with 2- 250 watt 10K XM bulbs from Quickpets.

Maxx · 12-05-2003, 01:31 AM

Thats a great deal Troy! What kind of ballast are you going with? (manufacturer, magnetic or electronic etc)
Nick

Pro_builder · 12-05-2003, 07:43 AM

Maxx here is the shipping order for everything I got.
Let me know what you think.
250W Universal Magnetic
M58 Ballast -Metal Halide

MH Mogul Socket Select = With Bracket -fits
w/Mounting Bracket Rectangular Reflector

250W XM 10,000K

55W / 65W Actinic 03, 21"
-Straight Pin Base

Fan 4 1/2"

Scooterman · 12-05-2003, 08:53 AM

Sounds like a Good deal Pro!

wooddood · 12-05-2003, 09:26 AM

that sounds like a sweet deal troy,i'll check it out.thanks and good luck. dave.

mwrager · 12-05-2003, 10:45 AM

Troy looks like you got a nice price. I also have the 250w 10k lights on my tank and love them.

Troy where are you from in Iowa, I use to live in Waterloo.

Mark

Pro_builder · 12-05-2003, 02:21 PM

Mwrager, Iowa City, Ia about 100 south of Waterloo on I-380.

Wooddood, You have to get an account setup to get that price. They sell wholesale only. You will need a business ID# and saletax permit, for a fish store to get that price.

If you want something let me know and I will get a price for ya.

Maxx · 12-05-2003, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Wooddood, You have to get an account setup to get that price. They sell wholesale only. You will need a business ID# and saletax permit, for a fish store to get that price.

I was wondering how you got all that at that price! I was thinking maybe they "fell off the back of a truck or somethin' an some guy was gonna give youse a great deal"
One thing I would suggest...ditch the flat rectangular reflector and go w/ a spider reflector. Puts a lot of light back into the tank that would normally get lost to the sides and back of the bulb.
Looks great though!
Nick

Pro_builder · 12-05-2003, 02:41 PM

Maxx, I don't have the room to run a Spider Reflector, and run the PC reflectors

Maxx · 12-05-2003, 02:50 PM

Can you mount the PCs under/on/ closer to the water....like this....http://www.hogben.org/gallery.php?gallery=reef_tank

Pro_builder · 12-05-2003, 02:56 PM

Maxx, I could do that but it would put my PC bulbs 5 1/2" from the open water. Do you think that is a good idea?

mwrager · 12-05-2003, 02:59 PM

Troy, Can you get things for other people? I have been looking for PC 96 watt (....) straight pin lights.

12-04-2003, 05:28 PM	#16 (permalink)
UnderWaterParadise my name is Rob and I'm a Zooaholic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Olivehurst, Cali. Posts: 420 View Gallery Karma Komment	If you have no over heating issues I would go with the 400's. I run 3x250w on my 135g and if I could afford a chiller I would go with 400's. Remember it is easier to trade down then it is up if you were to change your mind down the road. JMO __________________ AQUARIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS 135 REEF and jusreefin

12-04-2003, 07:19 PM	#18 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	maxx thanks,i think you are gonna save me alot of money my friend.thank you. dave. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

12-04-2003, 11:26 PM	#19 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Maxx, Thanks for all the inf oand research that you have done for me. I am going with 2- 250 watt 10K XM bulbs from Quickpets. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

12-05-2003, 01:31 AM	#20 (permalink)
Maxx Manta Ray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: St Louis Mo Posts: 3,079 View Gallery Karma Komment	Thats a great deal Troy! What kind of ballast are you going with? (manufacturer, magnetic or electronic etc) Nick __________________ "Chaos, confusion, despair...my work is done here." ...Some guy named Murphy.... A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...that was fun!" Reef Sanctuary Knowledgebase (Answers to all your questions and then some!)

12-05-2003, 07:43 AM	#21 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Maxx here is the shipping order for everything I got. Let me know what you think. 250W Universal Magnetic M58 Ballast -Metal Halide MH Mogul Socket Select = With Bracket -fits w/Mounting Bracket Rectangular Reflector 250W XM 10,000K 55W / 65W Actinic 03, 21" -Straight Pin Base Fan 4 1/2" __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

12-05-2003, 08:53 AM	#22 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,206 View Gallery Karma Komment	Sounds like a Good deal Pro! __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

12-05-2003, 09:26 AM	#23 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	that sounds like a sweet deal troy,i'll check it out.thanks and good luck. dave. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

12-05-2003, 10:45 AM	#24 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	Troy looks like you got a nice price. I also have the 250w 10k lights on my tank and love them. Troy where are you from in Iowa, I use to live in Waterloo. Mark __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif

12-05-2003, 02:21 PM	#25 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Mwrager, Iowa City, Ia about 100 south of Waterloo on I-380. Wooddood, You have to get an account setup to get that price. They sell wholesale only. You will need a business ID# and saletax permit, for a fish store to get that price. If you want something let me know and I will get a price for ya. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

12-05-2003, 02:41 PM	#27 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Maxx, I don't have the room to run a Spider Reflector, and run the PC reflectors __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

12-05-2003, 02:50 PM	#28 (permalink)
Maxx Manta Ray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: St Louis Mo Posts: 3,079 View Gallery Karma Komment	Can you mount the PCs under/on/ closer to the water....like this....http://www.hogben.org/gallery.php?gallery=reef_tank __________________ "Chaos, confusion, despair...my work is done here." ...Some guy named Murphy.... A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...that was fun!" Reef Sanctuary Knowledgebase (Answers to all your questions and then some!)

12-05-2003, 02:56 PM	#29 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Maxx, I could do that but it would put my PC bulbs 5 1/2" from the open water. Do you think that is a good idea? __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

12-05-2003, 02:59 PM	#30 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	Troy, Can you get things for other people? I have been looking for PC 96 watt (....) straight pin lights. __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif

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