Metal Halide question

[flugelnuss]

I'm seriously considering getting metal halide bulbs, but was wondering what are the advantages/disadvantages of using 10K MH bulb with actinic PCs or T5s or just going with a 20K MH bulb with no PCs or T5s?

TIA!
Jeff

 

[reedman]

How blue do you want the tank?

The 20Ks alone will make the tank have quite a blue tint. Some people love the look, some don't. Also, if you want to have some kind of transition between total darkness and 100% MH, you need some kind of supplemental lighting.

I personally like the 10K MHs and some actinic supplementation. I use VHO, but T5 or PC work fine as well.

 

[Illusion]

I personally Like the look of Mh 10k and actinics.. I was running 2x250w 10k XMs.. Wanted more of a blue look so I switched over to 14k Hamiltons.. Things started to Brown up so Hamilton Switched me to the 10k Ushios and everything has regained color.. I liked the Blue look from the 14k Hamiltons But after going back to 10ks I will never go with anything but the 10ks anymore.. Unless Xm comes out with like a 12k bulb.. LOL..

Here is a link to most 10k bulbs wqith and without actinics..

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

James

 

[flugelnuss]

Thanks for the input! That website was a perfect example for me.

Jeff

 

[flugelnuss]

Another question regarding MHs.... is it necessary to have UV coated glass inbetween the bulb and the tank?

TIA
Jeff

 

[Ritsuko Nashida]

I dont think so unless your running Double Ended Bulbs as the single ended ones are basically a bulb inside a bulb and therefore UV shielded. I could be wrong though.....

 

[Witfull]

you are correct.

 

[flugelnuss]

I am planning on using a 70W HQI 10K USHIO LAMP with a 70W an aromat electronic ballast for a 10 gallon nano. Where can i get UV glass? How much would it cost for the glass and to have it cut? How high should I have it off from the top of the tank?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

[Scooterman]

Most probably you can get that UV glass or lense from the same people that sell the HIQ, if it is needed.