I have been bitten by the Metal Halide bug

[MGXsport]

Ok I am compiling a list of questions for you lighting experts.

 

Right now I have an AGA 10gal with some fish and GSP. I would like to move up to MH and be able to expand my horizons when the time comes and here are the questions I have.

 

1. Would the 175w coralife pendant be to much for my 10 gallon?

 

2. Are there any advantages by using a hood and a DIY kit or an open top and pendant?

 

3. If I go the way of a hood, how would I acclimate the corals since I can't start the light high like a pendant and move it down?

 

4. From reading an electronic ballast is better than a magnetic, right? If I use a n electonic ballast would setting it on an auto time possible wear out the ballast?

 

5. If I go the way of a pendant how would I mount an actinc 03 to the tank so I could get the corals to floresce (sp?)

 

and for now the last question,

 

6. If I went 20K for the MH with an actinc 03 would that make the tank fairly blueish in color?

 

Thank you lighting gods for the help

[ReeferMonkey]

1. If you go pendant, you shouldn't have a problem running the 175. You may have to throw in a fan to help ventilation. May look a bit ghetto, maybe.

 

2. Temperature. Cost.

 

3. Regulate photoperiod, starting 1-2 hours working up an hour or two every couple of days

 

4. yes, uses less energy and usually can fire almost any bulb. there's a REALLY good thread on RC about the various types of ballasts. It's a sticky under Lights, Filtration and Equipment. I'm not sure what you mean by auto timing the ballast.

 

5. Buy a pendant with actinics built in or do some sort of DIY

 

6. Probably so. 20k is blue-white. 03 is a little more purple than 7100k

 

HTH, I'm not much more than a noob, albeit a well-read and well-researched noob.

nathan.

[MGXsport]

Thanks that helps me come up with more questions but now I am to tired to type more

[MGXsport]

I have been searching for the MHs with the actincs in them and I can't find any. Are there any well know brand names I should be looking at for these?

[ReeferMonkey]

All in one:

 

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categorie...ting/10789.html

 

http://www.championlighting.com/e/env/0001...=main:ma-hqi124

 

http://www.aquacon.com/halides.html

 

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categorie...ting/10003.html

 

This is a pendant w/ PC ballasts, you have to add a PFO MH ballast/bulb:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/thestore/pr...E-PENDPLUS.html

 

Etc. Look on RC, RDO, NR classifieds, you might be able to get a deal on one. These things get pretty cheap. Also take a look at www.diyreef.com they may have something.

 

The other option would be to build a hood, stick a fan or three in it, then just use retro kits. Heat might be an issue but it will certainly cost less.

[MGXsport]

sweet awesome help!

[Korbin]

3. Some people use layers and layers of window screen. They remove the layers slowly. Whatever you do, make sure you acclimate very slowly. I would recommend going with a pendant for heat and ease of adjustment reasons.