175w halide decision help

[Delphinus]

Any idea what sort of "look" you're hoping to go for? Over 12" of height the two t5's would be enough for supplemental lighting and dusk/dawn effects but if you're hoping for a more hybrid setup with more t5's then maybe the loss of efficiency in the reflector is a small price to pay for that enhanced versatility overall. I guess the real question is the spread of the spiderlight, at 36" you're probably looking at two lamps for the length, but at 24" wide it might be at the threshold of how far those reflectors can throw lights towards the edges.

I have a bunch of reflectors and 175w ballasts I was thinking of selling (but they are Reef Optix 3 (spider/parabolic type) and cap/coil ballasts so if you're set on electronic and lumenarc style then this of course doesn't help you, but OTOH if you're looking for something more economic to let you mix and match before settling on a final equipment combo .. drop me a line.)

[phi delt reefer]

looking for a 14-15k look. Really crisp white with some subtle blue and lots of pop (hence the t5's)

--so i can got with 4 t5s and two spider/parbolic reflectors and a dual 175w eballast

--go 2 t5s with two lumenarc mini (or similar style) pyramid reflectors and dual 175 eballast.

anyone have experience with blueline e-ballasts or Lumateks?

I like the versatility of having 4 t5's for i can tune the color with some different bulbs as needed.

next question - with the spider reflectors or the reef optix 3 units what kind of spread will i get if its only 8-12" above the water?

I am going to do a two or three island look with the rockwork so i can centre the reflectors respectively or put them on some rails so they have adjust-ability in case i change the rock work. I dont plan on having stuff right up to the edges of the glass, probably have 2-4" of dead space all the way around.

[gobytron]

For your reading pleasure....Sanjays testing of the Iwasakis

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review#h12

[phi delt reefer]

Originally Posted by gobytron

For your reading pleasure....Sanjays testing of the Iwasakis

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review#h12

thanks goby - i had a quick read- the icecap electronic ballasts seem to be the most efficient out of that group but it looks like all electronic ballasts perform similarly.

cheapest dual 175w eballast i could find was a blueline unit for $169 US or i could go with two single vertex 175w units for $100.

fingers crossed some you rich Albertans/BC'ers are clearing out your old halide units to help a poor Ontario reefer out I hear LED is the way to go guys!

Delphius - how many reef optix reflectors do you have? are they single end and will they take 175w bulbs?

[gobytron]

Just an FYI, the Vertex are supposedly clones of the Icecap...potentialy from the same factory, rebranded.

I have heard this from several sources including staff at JL.

[phi delt reefer]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Just an FYI, the Vertex are supposedly clones of the Icecap...potentialy from the same factory, rebranded.

I have heard this from several sources including staff at JL.

yeah i read that somewhere as well. Now that Icecap is no more i am hesitant to purchase their wares for who knows if they will be revived or if the new owners will honor old warranties. Vertex is a notorious re-brander but they at least rebrand the good stuff

going to keep my eyes out for some good quality used reflectors and cords. I wont be ready for full lights for a couple months still. thanks for all the help guys