mh or hps lighting

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by doreen, Aug 1, 2010.

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  1. doreen

    doreen Plankton

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    I have a 75 gallon tank with 2 t5 HO's. 39w 10000k and 39w HO 460NM actinic
    I have a HPS 250w available to use as well. I know MH and HPS are very similar. Is there any reason why I shouldn't use the HPS??? i only see the use of MH

    doreen
     
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  3. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    spectrum hps puts out are wrong for the bluer light reefs like.
     
  4. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    HPS is to low on the spectrum scale.
     
  5. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

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    yup.... very, very yellow bulb.
     
  6. doreen

    doreen Plankton

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    thank you for the input.
    no yellow light. :)
     
  7. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    Just because it is a more yellow spectrum doesn't mean you can't use it. Some people prefer a more yellow light. You would probably get pretty good growth with it, but the colors may be a bit off. Keep in mind natural sunlight at about 12 noon is around 6500K.
     
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  9. doreen

    doreen Plankton

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    What is a standard 400W metal halide bulb on the kelvin spectrum.
     
  10. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    its varies based on its purpose and brand.
     
  11. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    Yea, there's no "standard" kelvin rating. You can buy sodium bulbs that are orange, or 10,000 white bulbs, 12K, 14K 20K etc.
     
  12. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    HPS lighting is going to put you around 2-3,000k and will do great at growing algae.