44 gallon lighting needs

ds69 · 12-24-2006, 10:34 PM

I have a 44 gallon corner tank stacked with live rock to the top its filled with soft corals and several lps but primarily softies. I also have a t. crocea clam which is in the top portion of the tank. The tank is currently running a 125 watt pendant mh light. the light was brand new and came with the pendant and ballast but it doesnt say what kelvin rating it is. It has to be low though because its very yellow, it is a german bulb thats all it says. I also have 40 watts of pcs that are 50/50 bulbs so it makes it not so yellow. Now I would like to upgrade to a 250 watt matal halide system. I know that 10k is what they recommend for the clam but would 14k be a problem ? and do you think this lighting system below would be good. I know the price is cheap but will it be good for the tank ?

Thanks
Kevin
http://cgi.ebay.com/250-Watt-Metal-H...QQcmdZViewItem

sasquatch · 12-24-2006, 10:52 PM

hmm, inside sun co is a hydroponics company, their site lists the same unit at same price a weebay only its a hps bulb.Steve

2455coop · 12-24-2006, 11:02 PM

A good rule of thumb is to run between 6 and 9 watts per gallon. I have a 70 gal tank and I'm running 2 175w mh @12000K and 2 vho's super actinic. The total wattage of the lights are 8.14 per gallon. I like the looks of 12000K over 10's or 14's. It has a ting of blue and makes the water sparkle. 250w mh is a good choise because of the shape of your tank

ds69 · 12-26-2006, 02:59 PM

so do you think that 250 watt system looks ok? im a little hesitant because its hard to see in the picture.

Kevin

lcstorc · 12-26-2006, 08:38 PM

Lighting is one of the largest investments we make in our reef setups. I wouldn't take the risk. Go with a name brand with a good reputation. Generally if it sounds too good to be true then it is.

ds69 · 12-27-2006, 06:13 PM

Ok so i decided to not get the ebay light fixture but im not sure what i should buy. I would like to stick to a pendant if it works ok for my tank. The tank isnt terrible wide its just pretty tall ... i would guess like 30 inches tall. Should I get a 250 watt mh or a 400 watt? What are some good brands as well ? Im looking to buy the everything like a system, has the ballast, pendant etc and not separate pieces. Is hamilton a good company? or has anyone used their light fixtures and bulbs? I really want my zoas to color up better and grow faster.

Thanks
Kevin

lcstorc · 12-28-2006, 10:06 AM

I know I have heard good reviews on the Hamilton fixtures from other people though I do not have them.

Pro_builder · 12-28-2006, 11:48 AM

If you are running a 30" deep tank I would go with a 400 watt MH setup. Especially if you are wanting to run a lower par rating bulb like the 12, 14 or 15K. They don't have the penetration values of the 10K or 65K bulbs. It takes more power to get that light to penetrate to the bottom of your tank.
The Pendant style MH setups are fine if that is what you want to run, that is a preference thing on your part.

ds69 · 12-28-2006, 09:11 PM

ok so im finally home and measured the tank. It is 24 inches high. So i am guessing the 250 watt would be alright. Will that be enough for the t. Crocea and possibly a couple of sps though?

Thanks
Kevin

lcstorc · 12-29-2006, 07:05 AM

As long as they are placed in the top half of the tank I think you will be fine. A lot depends on the par of the bulbs you are running.

ds69 · 12-29-2006, 06:49 PM

well i will probably order the 250 watt pendant from hamilton and get a 10k bulb with it. I will probably try that for a bit and then try another bulb in either 10k or 14k depending on how I like the look of it. what would be a good bulb with higher par?

Thanks
Kevin

Pro_builder · 12-29-2006, 08:14 PM

Were are you getting this light setup? Have you looked at hello lights They have pendants that you can any bulb in. If it was me I would run the XM bulb not the Hamilton, but that is just my opinion.

JFK_Jr · 12-29-2006, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcstorc

I know I have heard good reviews on the Hamilton fixtures from other people though I do not have them.

I've got the Hamilton 72" retrofit with 3 250W 10,000k and 2 96W 7200k blue power compacts. All on electronic ballasts. In all... I'm happy with Hamilton.

I did have a MH ballast go bad on me, but they were quick to send me a free replacement. I think next time around I will try the Actinic instead of the 7200K.

ds69 · 12-30-2006, 01:43 AM

This is what I am thinking about buying but the 250 watt with a 10k bulb.

http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/sh...ow&cat=Pendant

Kevin

ds69 · 06-28-2008, 06:49 PM

Even though this a really old thread I would like to continue it with some similar questions. Ok, so I have the 250 watt mh hamilton pendant heres the link for it. Pendant - Aquarium supplies & Aquarium lighting by Hamilton Technology

I have been using 10k but now im finally deciding to go to 14k. Some of my zoanthids just aren't as colorful as they should be. It would be better to use 14k instead of 20k correct? I know growth wise 14k is better, but will 14k make a big difference over the 10k? Another thing is that I heard the 14k hamilton bulbs are more white and not even that blue. I would like to get a good blue colored bulb but I am not sure on which brand to go with or if it is fine to use with my ballast? Any help would be appreciated. I just don't want to buy a bulb and have it not work with the ballast or be any different.

Thanks
Kevin

12-24-2006, 10:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
ds69 Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	44 gallon lighting needs I have a 44 gallon corner tank stacked with live rock to the top its filled with soft corals and several lps but primarily softies. I also have a t. crocea clam which is in the top portion of the tank. The tank is currently running a 125 watt pendant mh light. the light was brand new and came with the pendant and ballast but it doesnt say what kelvin rating it is. It has to be low though because its very yellow, it is a german bulb thats all it says. I also have 40 watts of pcs that are 50/50 bulbs so it makes it not so yellow. Now I would like to upgrade to a 250 watt matal halide system. I know that 10k is what they recommend for the clam but would 14k be a problem ? and do you think this lighting system below would be good. I know the price is cheap but will it be good for the tank ? Thanks Kevin http://cgi.ebay.com/250-Watt-Metal-H...QQcmdZViewItem

12-24-2006, 10:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs hmm, inside sun co is a hydroponics company, their site lists the same unit at same price a weebay only its a hps bulb.Steve __________________ castawayreefers.com

12-24-2006, 11:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
2455coop Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Amarillo,Texas Posts: 266 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs A good rule of thumb is to run between 6 and 9 watts per gallon. I have a 70 gal tank and I'm running 2 175w mh @12000K and 2 vho's super actinic. The total wattage of the lights are 8.14 per gallon. I like the looks of 12000K over 10's or 14's. It has a ting of blue and makes the water sparkle. 250w mh is a good choise because of the shape of your tank __________________ Bill 75 gal D.A.S. 15 gal refugium

12-26-2006, 02:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
ds69 Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs so do you think that 250 watt system looks ok? im a little hesitant because its hard to see in the picture. Kevin

12-26-2006, 08:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,786 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs Lighting is one of the largest investments we make in our reef setups. I wouldn't take the risk. Go with a name brand with a good reputation. Generally if it sounds too good to be true then it is. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

12-27-2006, 06:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
ds69 Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs Ok so i decided to not get the ebay light fixture but im not sure what i should buy. I would like to stick to a pendant if it works ok for my tank. The tank isnt terrible wide its just pretty tall ... i would guess like 30 inches tall. Should I get a 250 watt mh or a 400 watt? What are some good brands as well ? Im looking to buy the everything like a system, has the ballast, pendant etc and not separate pieces. Is hamilton a good company? or has anyone used their light fixtures and bulbs? I really want my zoas to color up better and grow faster. Thanks Kevin

12-28-2006, 10:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,786 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs I know I have heard good reviews on the Hamilton fixtures from other people though I do not have them. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

12-28-2006, 11:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs If you are running a 30" deep tank I would go with a 400 watt MH setup. Especially if you are wanting to run a lower par rating bulb like the 12, 14 or 15K. They don't have the penetration values of the 10K or 65K bulbs. It takes more power to get that light to penetrate to the bottom of your tank. The Pendant style MH setups are fine if that is what you want to run, that is a preference thing on your part. __________________ -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!!

12-28-2006, 09:11 PM	#9 (permalink)
ds69 Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs ok so im finally home and measured the tank. It is 24 inches high. So i am guessing the 250 watt would be alright. Will that be enough for the t. Crocea and possibly a couple of sps though? Thanks Kevin

12-29-2006, 07:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,786 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs As long as they are placed in the top half of the tank I think you will be fine. A lot depends on the par of the bulbs you are running. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

12-29-2006, 06:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
ds69 Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs well i will probably order the 250 watt pendant from hamilton and get a 10k bulb with it. I will probably try that for a bit and then try another bulb in either 10k or 14k depending on how I like the look of it. what would be a good bulb with higher par? Thanks Kevin

12-29-2006, 08:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs Were are you getting this light setup? Have you looked at hello lights They have pendants that you can any bulb in. If it was me I would run the XM bulb not the Hamilton, but that is just my opinion. __________________ -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!!

12-30-2006, 01:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
ds69 Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs This is what I am thinking about buying but the 250 watt with a 10k bulb. http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/sh...ow&cat=Pendant Kevin

06-28-2008, 06:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
ds69 Midas Blenny Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: 44 gallon lighting needs Even though this a really old thread I would like to continue it with some similar questions. Ok, so I have the 250 watt mh hamilton pendant heres the link for it. Pendant - Aquarium supplies & Aquarium lighting by Hamilton Technology I have been using 10k but now im finally deciding to go to 14k. Some of my zoanthids just aren't as colorful as they should be. It would be better to use 14k instead of 20k correct? I know growth wise 14k is better, but will 14k make a big difference over the 10k? Another thing is that I heard the 14k hamilton bulbs are more white and not even that blue. I would like to get a good blue colored bulb but I am not sure on which brand to go with or if it is fine to use with my ballast? Any help would be appreciated. I just don't want to buy a bulb and have it not work with the ballast or be any different. Thanks Kevin

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