PC Lighting vs MH Lighting?

Ok, I just came back from the LFS, and I upgraded my lighting from PC (4x96w) to 2-175w MH & 2x96w VHO lighting. My tank will have a ht of 24". Will this be ok?

On another note, because I'm going to MH they have to modify the canopy as well increasing it's height.

 

[quote author=GaMmA link=board=lighting;num=1079628479;start=0#10 date=03/18/04 at 14:54:15]Ok, I just came back from the LFS, and I upgraded my lighting from PC (4x96w) to 2-175w MH & 2x96w VHO lighting.  My tank will have a ht of 24".  Will this be ok?

On another note, because I'm going to MH they have to modify the canopy as well increasing it's height.  [/quote]

Don't you mean 110 watt VHO because they don't make a 96 watt for VHO that would be a PC light at 96 watts.

Atleast thats the way it was when setting mine up... anyone?

 

You're right. I meant 110w. (still trying to things straight)

Craig recommended I go w/ 2-250w.

My LFS thought the dual 175w MH 10K & dual 110w VHO w/actinic setup would be better for me.

What do you guys think? Is this adequate?

 

i have a 55 gal. aquarium and I use 260 watts of PC. I think it's pretty awsome. It's almost 5 watt/gal. I have 130 watt of actinic and 130 watt of 10000K.

 

Yeah 5w/gallon is a good rule of thumb.

[quote author=GaMmA link=board=lighting;num=1079628479;start=0#12 date=03/18/04 at 15:34:53]
My LFS thought the dual 175w MH 10K & dual 110w VHO w/actinic  setup would be better for me.

What do you guys think? Is this adequate?[/quote]


Gamma you are working with 4.3 which should be fine. Although personally, I'd probably do the 250s myself, but it's not all about the watts. THing is, you will find a lot more options in bulbs with 250s.

THe smaller the halide bulb the more limited your options will be. I have a 150w single ended bulb and I had to really dig to find a good bulb. Look on the links library here and you will find many links to help you do your homework.

 

I would go with the 250 watts MH and the 2 VHO setup. eballast can use a wide range of bulbs.
by the way nothing compares to MH. The PAR is what counts.

 

Thanks guys (for making me broke) . Another trip to the LFS it is to make another upgrade, but that's OK .

It's great to have you guys as a resource. Getting into this hobby has made me realize that I'm spending my $$$ on the wrong things:

- food
- utilities
- car pmt
- mortgage pmt
- my portfolio
- girlfriend (hope she doesn't see this)

My paycheck really ALL needs to go towards creating the best reef aquarium. How could I have been so blind all these years?

[glow=red,2,300]More $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$, more $$$.[/glow]


GaMmA ;D

What a great hobby!!!

 

[smiley=biglaugh.gif]

I can't believe your girlfriend came in last. heh. If she reads that I think you can rearrange your list! ;D

 

If I went w/ the dual MH250's & dual VHO110's that would take me to 720w = 6w/g.

Will that be too much wattage?

GaMmA

 

Heck no. That would be great.

Some people with SPS corals go all the way to 10w/gallon.

In fact, my tank is about 15 gallons of water, so that's what I have with my 150 bulb. My only problem - heat.

Too many watts on a reef tank takes a bit of effort, but too much heat is another thing... start thinking about how you are going to cool your tank down.