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ellibeit'o
06-16-2005, 02:47 PM
hi all,
im in the planning stages of a 24lx24wx18h 45gal display tank. i know i want a single 250w mh but can't decide on which one. i've narrowed down the options to these 3. please share your opinions.

1. hamilton 16.5" ReefStar 250w HQI Pendant: $258.00
2. Aqua Medic OceanLight 250w HQI : $249.00
3. PFO 250W HQI Mini Pendant + 250W IceCap electronic Metal Halide Ballast + 250W 14K Hamilton HQI DE MH bulb: $279.00

i read somewhere that the magnetic ballast give the bulb better color/performance. but the electronic ballast runs cooler, is cheaper to run, and the bulb lasts longer. (these were another reefer's opinions. that person also said the magnetic ballast, during the course of the day, got his room irritably warm.) thats why im considering option3.
ive also read that phoenix 14k one of the better bulbs out there.
im also planning to mount the lights in a diy hood.
these prices are the lowest i could find. please let me know if you can find cheaper.
feedback and experiences are much appreciated.
ellibeit'o
06-17-2005, 03:43 PM
anyone?
fountains slave
06-17-2005, 04:41 PM
i would do 2 150watt pfo pendants. i run 2 175 se with a pfo ballast on my 40 gallon and its perfect light coverage. im even going to add 2 36 in vhos to beef it up even more. i was only running 1 175 at first but it was not enough light coverage in my opinion.good luck choosing:D


~stefan robles
SDMike
06-18-2005, 09:36 AM
Originally posted by fountains slave
i would do 2 150watt pfo pendants. i run 2 175 se with a pfo ballast on my 40 gallon and its perfect light coverage. im even going to add 2 36 in vhos to beef it up even more. i was only running 1 175 at first but it was not enough light coverage in my opinion.good luck choosing:D


~stefan robles

The OP could prolly even get away with a pair of 70w MH lights. At only 18" the tank's not all that deep... Supplement with an actinic or two.

I've got a dual 250w PFO magnetic ballast and spider reflector that does very well over my 120. If you really want an SE MH lamp, I'd recommend the setup.

HTH,

M