MH bulb reccomendations?
 

Well, I just recieved a couple 175Wmh Pendants from MikeP here. I have a couple questions. First, its 2 pendants, lamp shade style. I think white inside for reflector, which I know wont reflect very well. I got them to try MH, see how much heat it adds, and how the light looks. I am starting to get into SPS and dont think my T5's will cut it??? My tank is a 1/4 round, 24" radius, 20" tall. I will probibally make a hood, with some T5 suppliments as well?? Kinda like making a sunrise/sunset not just On/Off.

1st, do you think I'll need both 175W pendants on my tank?

2nd, what color, K rating bulb/s should I get? Presently running Geismann Actinic + and Midday. I want my colors to POP.

Heres a pic of my tank now. Thats a 24" 4 tube TEK on there now.
Thx in advance
http://banditpowdercoat.com/Powderga...%20%283%29.jpg

Is it an electronic ballast? SE? If so, I would strongly recommend an Iwakasi 15K. It is a PAR buster, meaning that particular ballast/bulb combination puts out an unusually high PAR for the amount of watts - more than many 250w combos. If that's your case, I would think that a single 175w would do the trick for you.

No, there Mag ballasts, but they are a start. I was thinking later upgrading to 250W electronics. BUt I needed the Pendants first as no hood on tank. heres a pic of the pendants from MikeP. Not my tank

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...k/e9560e6e.jpg


The inside of the shade

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...k/IMG_3822.jpg

Carful on the bulb you get, make sure it is not a horazontal only bulb. bulbs come in horazontal, vertacle and universal. you talk right now looks about a 14K bulb, well closer to 12-13K but 14 will be simular

Steve

So, Ushio, Hamilton, XM???? Probe start I assume? WHat works for Vertical mount? I will be ordering most likely form J&L Or OA

I agree with this 100%, that Iwasaki bulb is a monster.

Got a 14K 175W from e-bay (here) for $27 cdn. It's been over the frag section of the sump for a couple of weeks. Can't say I've noticed much growth but really like the colour. Nice crisp white, touch of blue.

You're going to have to check with the manufacturer. Most people nowadays run their MH bulbs horizontally. Those bell pendants are kinda old school having the the bulbs oriented vertically relative to the water.

So can these Iwaski's be used with mag style ballasts? Where to get some?

Both OA and J&L sell them. They can be used with magnetic ballasts but they really come alive on an electronic ballast. In fact, the Aqualine Blushke 175W SE bulb out-PARs the Iwasaki slightly on a magnetic ballast.