Anyone have links to basic info about halides?

corrado007 · 12-14-2007, 06:37 PM

Hello everyone,
I'm trying to decide on a good metal halide setup for my 90gallon tank. I've been searching here of course and on a number of other forums as well but I still feel a bit uninformed. Does anyone have any links to articles or good threads that discuss the basics of MH setups. For instance, pros and cons of single vs. double ended fixtures, two seperate ballasts vs. one dual ballast, importance of supplemental lighting, etc... So far all I know for sure is that I want two 250 lamps with an electronic ballast (or two). I just want to make an informed decision on such an important investment.

Thanks,
Justin

XBwlr · 12-14-2007, 07:05 PM

Here's the links I have...

250Watt Bulb Comparison
Bulb Color Comparisons
Metal Halide & Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting-Find the right aquarium lights for your reef or marine aquarium

Hope something in there helps ya.

mps9506 · 12-14-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Does anyone have any links to articles or good threads that discuss the basics of MH setups. For instance, pros and cons of single vs. double ended fixtures, two seperate ballasts vs. one dual ballast, importance of supplemental lighting, etc... So far all I know for sure is that I want two 250 lamps with an electronic ballast (or two).

Well to help you out with your question about dual and separate ballasts...
They are basically the same thing. I dual ballast is a box that house two separate ballasts. It may or may not have a single plug powering both ballasts.

You are correct in wanting two metal halide bulbs over your 90 gallon. Typically you are looking at 1 bulb for every 2x2 foot area of tank floor space.

Now for some links...
Facts of Light – Part 5: Everything You Need to Know About Metal Halide Lamps and Ballasts by Sanjay Joshi - Reefkeeping.com
Metal Halide Lighting Components by Jon Garner - Reefkeeping.com
Testing 250-watt Single-ended Metal Halide Lamps and Ballasts by Joe Burger - Reefkeeping.com

There's a ton more articles and websites regarding metal halide lighting, but that will get you started

corrado007 · 12-14-2007, 08:37 PM

This is some good stuff guys, thanks for contributing to my education! I'm off to do some reading.
If anyone else has more links or input for me that would be great, I'm not sure one could ever be too informed.

Thanks,
Justin

12-14-2007, 06:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
corrado007 Plate Coral Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sacramento, Ca. Posts: 725 View Gallery Karma Komment	Anyone have links to basic info about halides? Hello everyone, I'm trying to decide on a good metal halide setup for my 90gallon tank. I've been searching here of course and on a number of other forums as well but I still feel a bit uninformed. Does anyone have any links to articles or good threads that discuss the basics of MH setups. For instance, pros and cons of single vs. double ended fixtures, two seperate ballasts vs. one dual ballast, importance of supplemental lighting, etc... So far all I know for sure is that I want two 250 lamps with an electronic ballast (or two). I just want to make an informed decision on such an important investment. Thanks, Justin __________________ Justin 90gal mixed reef w/40gal sump/fuge, ATO, NW-200 Skimmer, 2x 250W 10k Reeflux MH & 220W VHO actinics, Koralia #4 & #3, Mag 9.5 return, Aquacontroller jr., LR & LS, and community fish (Yellow Assessor, Orchid Dottyback, Yellow Watchman Goby, paired O clowns, Hippo Tang, 2 Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse, Neon Goby, 1 Baby Chromis, a very small algae blenny, and a Zebra Dartfish. Note: These guys are all small to medium in size) updated 7/31/08 Here's my 90gal Chronicle (Lots of pictures and DIY)

12-14-2007, 07:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
XBwlr Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Kingston, Ohio Posts: 1,135 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Anyone have links to basic info about halides? Here's the links I have... 250Watt Bulb Comparison Bulb Color Comparisons Metal Halide & Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting-Find the right aquarium lights for your reef or marine aquarium Hope something in there helps ya. __________________ ~Scott

12-14-2007, 08:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
corrado007 Plate Coral Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sacramento, Ca. Posts: 725 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Anyone have links to basic info about halides? This is some good stuff guys, thanks for contributing to my education! I'm off to do some reading. If anyone else has more links or input for me that would be great, I'm not sure one could ever be too informed. Thanks, Justin __________________ Justin 90gal mixed reef w/40gal sump/fuge, ATO, NW-200 Skimmer, 2x 250W 10k Reeflux MH & 220W VHO actinics, Koralia #4 & #3, Mag 9.5 return, Aquacontroller jr., LR & LS, and community fish (Yellow Assessor, Orchid Dottyback, Yellow Watchman Goby, paired O clowns, Hippo Tang, 2 Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse, Neon Goby, 1 Baby Chromis, a very small algae blenny, and a Zebra Dartfish. Note: These guys are all small to medium in size) updated 7/31/08 Here's my 90gal Chronicle (Lots of pictures and DIY)

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