New to the whole MH idea. Can I get some advice here?

I'm thinking about moving up to MH from my T5's on my 29 gallon but everytime I go online looking at them I get really confused as to what I need and what I am looking at.

I am also wanting to get MH for my 75 gallon when I upgrade in May.

I really want to keep clams, anemones, and SPS eventually whenever my tank hits about the year mark. I also like the ability to just turn your blue actinic lights on.

If you could help me find an easy place to shop or give me some examples of what I would need I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

There's basically 3 "types" of Mh lighting systems out there. There is a fixture, also sometimes called a canopy, don't know why, that has everything built in or comes with everything such as the bulbs, fixture and ballasts. An example of this is the Current MH fixtures. Then there are fixtures as before, but they don't come with ballasts which need to be purchased separately. It should state in the product description whether the ballasts are included or not. An example of this is the Maristar fixture by Sunlight Supply. Finally there are retro kits. Basically this is an a la carte MH system where you pick and choose what you want. You will need a reflector (check to see if it comes with a socket assembly, most decent ones do, but some don't) You will also need a ballast and bulbs. A lot of the reflectors and ballasts are plug and play. Also, you will need to make sure you get the right size socket assembly as ballast, meaning, if you get a reflector for a 250w bulb, make sure to get a ballast for a 250w bulb.

Now there are some particulars you may want to pay attention to. There are mogul or single ended reflectors/fixtures and HQI or double ended fixtures/reflectors. HQI requires double ended bulbs and they require certain ballasts, most electronic ballasts should work, but you want to make sure. Some may say "pulse start" and they should be good too. All this info should be in the product description. Finally, be aware that Sunlight Supply uses their own patented style plugs, so if you buy a Galaxy ballast, it won't plug right into an Icecap reflector, they do sell adapters though. Hope this helps some what.

 

Do you have any pics of the tank...specifically the area where the lights will be? A fixture has the covenience of having everything in it. Fans,actinics,moon light and main daylights. Usually they look nice but may not be the best and some are so cheap you may have to replace its guts(ballast,bulbs) right away. The main problem is the reflectors are weak.

If you want the best you'll need to buy the high end reflectors and make your own system of daylights and actinics. (t5 or vho arebest for actinics).

 

I am thinking about doing this setup but not sure on what bulb setup to run. Would this be almost as good as MH?

Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures Reviews

This is also a very good read:

PAR Results HQI vs T5 - Reef Central Online Community

 

i have a clamp on K-2 viper lamp that i like. it is 150 watt MH and is doing very good with my tank.

 

Your getting into dangerous waters by asking that question. Just understand that there is no "best" lighting setup. There are advantages and cons to every setup. Mhs have their own issues as do T5s, Pcs and Leds. I currently run a Tek fixture and really like it. It runs very cool, even though it doesn't have any fans, and as a result of that, it is silent. However, when I eventually upgrade I will be getting MH. I've never had them and I am really into the aesthetics of my tank and love the shimmer effect. (I know I can get that with Leds too). I have had good growth and color from my sps under T5s, and have actually partially bleached several corals. I have the 6x54w fixture over my 55 and have had to watch where I place my sps and especially lps as the light will bleach them if I don't. Many of my lps are actually under ledges or in the shadows. Even with my good experience with T5s, I still plan on getting MH when I upgrade. Good luck in your decision.

 

I have used t 5s Pcs and Mhs
I use a hamilton magnetic dual 250w m 58 ballast for mogul base bulbs with pcs and t 5s for supplement lighting. I get a lot of light out of the high output florecents but it is hard to match the light intensity of MHs.
Plus I did not just end up with my hamilton ballast I did my research and their are very good reasons for getting an m58 magnetic drive ballast. Call up ushio, hamilton or xm
dont be a victim of marketing, there are however very good electronic ballast.

 

Guh, I am so confused as what to run now lol Now I am afraid of bleaching some of my corals if I get the Tek with the 48" 8x54watt setup?!

GAH! This is really hard lol

 

Take a look at the Maristar fixture I have one and love it.

 

Metal halides will bleach also... you just have to be careful to acclimate everything to your intensity of lighting!

Here is some info on halide lighting, it has the different ballasts, the different bulbs, PAR values, and finally pictures:
Testing 250-watt Single-ended Metal Halide Lamps and Ballasts by Joe Burger - Reefkeeping.com