equipment

[ninerfoelife]

Im putting together a 200g(5ft*20in) reef around summer. I was wondering what would be cheaper buying a Hamilton Technology light or putting one together. what would I need to put a lighting system together. I want three metal halides and four super actnic blue light. I don't have anything else but the tank and the stand. what equipment do I need for a sump. any advice on equipment from personal experiences I should get for the tank.

 

[bradreef]

It is always cheaper to put together your own. shop around and you will find better prices. what wattage are you looking for?

 

[ninerfoelife]

not sure but i want to keep sps and lps and others what do u recomend. what do I need to set up a light.

 

[o2manyfish]

You need to decide on what kind of bulbs you want DE or SE. Single end require a mogul only.

DE require a pendant so the cost is more.

But you should really run a reflector with the SE to get more light into you tank.

So you need a bulb, a socket or pendant, some cord and a ballast.

Dave B

 

[ninerfoelife]

whats the difference between de and se

 

[o2manyfish]

Double Ended bulbs vs Single Ended bulbs

Differences are varied by opinions.... There are 100's of threads across the internet discussing the differences and opinions in detail.

Dave B

 

[ninerfoelife]

I want a se, on the ballast how many would I need.

 

[o2manyfish]

Each Ballast only runs one bulb.

When you see Major Name companies with ballasts that run multiple bulbs, they are just individual ballasts inside one box.

Dave B

 

[ninerfoelife]

how much for a good ballast. On hamilton technology their light system with 3 metal halides and 2 60in Super Actinic Blue is $882.5o is that a good deal