MH questions about my current lights. Share your knowledge!

[joekool]

I currently have a a current usa orbit I beleive. It has three 150watt HQI MH and 4 96watt PC 50/50 420nm/450nm bulbs.

Are the reflector built in crap. I want to upgrade to lumatek e-ballasts with 250 to 400watt plus HQI settings and go with 250 watt XM 15K bulbs.

Do they have replacement reflectors for these or are they fine for what I want.

Also this fixture iis about 5 to 6 inches from the water and I have zero heat issues as I have an open top and my tank stays constant 78 degress with a heater running in the sump. The house stays under A/C at 76 degress.

What would the schedule be for the new lighting as they will be brighter than my current setup. I currently run PC bulbs 12 hours and 6 on MH.

Anyone have suggestions.

 

[Reefing Madness]

:bump2:

 

[trido]

I haven't seen one of the fixtures for many years but IMO, yes they are crap compared to a lumenarc reflector. I doubt they sell an upgrade reflector. I'm sure you'd be fine upgrading to a 250 watt ballast. As far as lighting schedule. I ran my 250's for 9 hours and actinics for 13 for years without problems

 

[joekool]

Thank you for your input.