Confusing Newbie Light Question...

In my 75g I have 2 MH bulbs that need to be replaced, they are 175W/U true 10k each.

I have 2 65W Actinic 03 PCs that need to be replaced, they are purple not blue.

My MH ballast says 60hz 180v...the PC ballast says "operates 55 compact flourescent lights", but it is currently operating the 2 65W right now.

What type of bulbs do I need to get for optimum light? I eventually want a hairy mushroom and zoas.

 

With your PCs, I would go UVL actinics. Here is a link. I don't know how many of these bulbs your ballast can support. But if it will do four, that's how many I would keep. If two, well, that's what you will have to do for the time being until you can add something else. These bulbs have an internal reflector, so the reflectors that I have (if you still want them I'll give them to you) would probably be redundant.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Power_Compact_Fluorescent/Bulbs/65W_Super_Actinic_Powercompact_(Square_Pin)_by_UV_Lighting

Here is a good replacement bulb for your MH

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Metal_Halide/Bulbs/175W_14000K_Metal_Halide_Bulb_by_Hamilton_Technology

You have some lighting in the 440 to 460nm range with the 14000K bulbs. Right now, you are running 10000K. IMO, you need strong actinic supplimentation (T5s) to pull off 10000K. Since you are running PCs (which will take care of the first 12 inches of water depth) you need the MH to pull some duty. Your 175W will get to 18 inches.

 

Website not running...

I will try again later.

So for my future purchase I should think about 250w 14k MH....and if I do go with these...won't they burn my fish? Or is that what reflectors are for? And canopy fans?

Also for the PCs, I can get long ones, close to 40" and run them next to each other...?...for those I can get Actinic 03/7100k mixture, because this way the 420 and 460nm range will be met...if this sounds right then should I try getting a reflector for those too? That is IF I don't go with the built in-bulb reflectors you are referring to on that non-operating site...hehe

I am going to start small, probably the hairy mushroom first...but if I am going to buy new bulbs I might as well get bigger ones. Though I do need to study up on those ballasts!

 

I will try again later.

So for my future purchase I should think about 250w 14k MH....and if I do go with these...won't they burn my fish? Or is that what reflectors are for? And canopy fans?
if your fixture uses 175 watt bulbs, you must buy a new fixture or ballast if you wish to use 250w bulbs. I would think 2 175 with pc actinics is more then enough lighting for your tank, and you would be able to keep alot more then mushrooms and zoas. if you get too powerful lighting you can burn the fish, but i wouldnt worry about it if you not using multiple 400watts. our lighting puts out alot of heat(t5 and pc too not just halide), so i recommend you dont go over the 175s or you may need a chiller.

i wouldnt think the point of the reflectors is to burn the fish lol

fans may help keep your temperature down, if you have a open top or a canopy with a open back you can just buy a cheap walmart fan and point it over the tank at the bulbs

Also for the PCs, I can get long ones, close to 40" and run them next to each other...?...for those I can get Actinic 03/7100k mixture, because this way the 420 and 460nm range will be met...if this sounds right then should I try getting a reflector for those too? That is IF I don't go with the built in-bulb reflectors you are referring to on that non-operating site...hehe

get what ever size 65watts is, as thats what your ballast is designed to handle. most people just get half actinic half daylight, i would see if theres a actinic and 10k mixture bulb, but if not just get what you said. 7100k just soulds a lil red to me.. you may want to hold off on new bulbs until you get the halides and just buy the actinic to save money. i wouldnt really bother with the reflector right now if you upgrading to halide, get a good one for them and then see about one for the pc.

I am going to start small, probably the hairy mushroom first...but if I am going to buy new bulbs I might as well get bigger ones. Though I do need to study up on those ballasts!

 

For metal halide bulbs go with 14k Phoenix or Blue Life (SPS). These bulbs really bring out the colors in Zoas and Mushrooms.

You can stick to 175W, you will be just fine on a 75 gallon as long as you have high quality reflectors and electronic ballast.

If you move to 250W you will need a tougher cooling solution and auto top off. The rate of evaporation will increase quite a bit. You tank will be much brighter ofcource.

So think about it and plan before you make major changes. You are looking at $200 for replacing bulbs or $600 to replace your whole lighting system. Thats assuming you are selling your old lighting and dont have a cooling solution.

If you decide to go with new Metal halides , get high quality double ended closed pendants like these. These prevent water from splashing on the bulb since they have a glass barrier.



If you go for it, get the best.

 

If all you want to keep is low light corals such as the mushrooms what is the importance of moving up to 250w? That is a lot of wattage for a newbee on a 75!! I would be very careful if you are planning on upgrading to that.
I would say the 175 are more than enough for a 75 even for SPS.
If you ballast only supports 55w PCs, I would get a cheap Workhorse ballast or something else that can support 130w at least... You are not running the lamps properly with the smaller ballast.

Oops just noticed I posted almost identical to sostoudt!

Good luck

 

Dang

I need to talk to the old owner but he is MIA (missing in action) lol, I need some INFO.

Thanks for the good info guys, it helped a lot!!!! I will look back on this thread when ready to purchase...