MH lighting question

Marcus K · #1 01-03-2004, 06:27 PM

I have a 90gal tank that is FOWLR and would like to upgrade to metal halide. I picked up a electronic 250W balast assembly and a mogul socket at a local hydroponics shop. Now I need to find a reflector that will fit under my canopy. I currently have two strip light assemblies that are Allglass PC 110watt fixtures that do not allow much room. I would love to keep these and add the MH but I don't know how to make them fit. would it be fine to use one PC fixture and have the MH over towards one side of the tank? What is a good bulb to use in the 250w range? Anyone make small reflectors with a fan?

Thanks
Marcus

AJ_77 · #2 01-03-2004, 06:54 PM

One option: Get two of these reflectors, and wire them into your hood (or make a hood for them), then you can use the components from your All-Glass units.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/cgi-bin/sh...ogno=pfo-prf24

Marcus K · #3 01-04-2004, 02:21 AM

Thats a good idea, I will have to see how hard they would be to take apart. Would a 250watt be good for a 90gal? I am starting to look into some Corals.

BCOrchidGuy · #4 01-04-2004, 05:43 AM

Marcus I use the other reflector the Optimal, (actually not using it just yet as I'm still setting up), The reflectors are easy to set up, the moguls are pretty easy to move etc and yes 250 would be good for your 90, if you can get a second 250 you'd have great light for most corals. I've used 2x 175 on a standard 90 and had good results with soft coral and some SPS like Montipora but Acorapora didn't grow well with the 175s. Suppliment your Metal halide with a shop light with actinics in it and you'll have a nice light system

Doug

Marcus K · #5 01-04-2004, 07:13 PM

Thanks Doug, I would be able to fit in one of my 110watt PC fixtures. I will see how it looks and maybe step up to two MH. I would love to get a Clam in the future, corals I will start slow and see how it goes.

BCOrchidGuy · #6 01-04-2004, 08:25 PM

I'm not sure you'd be able to fit a MH in a PC hood unless you went with a Double ended MH. You can make your own hood and put your MH in there, that way you can upgrade when you want to the second bulb/ballast for all the great stuff you'll be putting in that tank.

Doug

Marcus K · #7 01-04-2004, 10:56 PM

I guess I forgot to mention that I have made a hood that I have the PC fixtures sitting inside. I should have enough room for the MH. Not sure how much hotter the Halides run though, I have my tank up against the wall with a openning into the room behind for the plumbing. This way I have no pump noise out front and I can work on the tank from the front and the back. Do you know if the MH fans that J&L are any different than a computer fan?

Thanks again

BCOrchidGuy · #8 01-05-2004, 03:20 AM

Yes the fans J&L sell run off 120vac (household) where as computer fans run at either 5vdc or 12vdc. I'm using computer fans but powering them with an old computer power supply, seems to be working well.

Doug