New Opinions on this Metal Halide T5

A. grandis · Sep 25, 2017

dwwataz said:
I'm currently running their 14s. I tried Phoenix 14s first but prefer the Hamiltons. I just have the magnetic ballasts right now. When I switch over to the 20s, be it radium or Hamilton(leaning towards Hamilton), I'll also pick up electronic ballasts

You're blessed to have the halides running. Your tank must be amazing!
Oh man.. the electronic ballasts are great. I've heard some of them can boost the colors of some of the bulbs and they run quiet and cooler.
I also heard some people were testing some ballasts that doesn't transfer heat to the bulbs at all... I'm not sure.. I lost the links...
I kinda like to imagine having the Luxcore. You can dial the wattage you want and they run cool.
Aloha,
Grandis.

A. grandis · Sep 25, 2017

M007 said:
+1, 3 250 SE Radiums with 4 80W T5's.

That's it!!!
Wow!

Grandis.

deedubz · Sep 25, 2017

A. grandis said:
You're blessed to have the halides running. Your tank must be amazing!
Oh man.. the electronic ballasts are great. I've heard some of them can boost the colors of some of the bulbs and they run quiet and cooler.
I also heard some people were testing some ballasts that doesn't transfer heat to the bulbs at all... I'm not sure.. I lost the links...
I kinda like to imagine having the Luxcore. You can dial the wattage you want and they run cool.
Aloha,
Grandis.

Thank you. I don't know if I'd say amazing.. The tank is pretty empty. A few nems and a couple frags. I haven't gone "all in" yet because I'd really like to upgrade to a larger tank. This is my first ever setup and went with a basic 55g from petco last summer during their $1/gallon sale. I went with the light because I knew from day 1 that I wanted to keep anemones. I also knew if I went with the 48" fixture that I could retain it once I go to a 150. Now I just need to hit the lottery and I'll be going somewhere lol

A. grandis · Sep 26, 2017

dwwataz said:
Thank you. I don't know if I'd say amazing.. The tank is pretty empty. A few nems and a couple frags. I haven't gone "all in" yet because I'd really like to upgrade to a larger tank. This is my first ever setup and went with a basic 55g from petco last summer during their $1/gallon sale. I went with the light because I knew from day 1 that I wanted to keep anemones. I also knew if I went with the 48" fixture that I could retain it once I go to a 150. Now I just need to hit the lottery and I'll be going somewhere lol

Take your time, but keep filling up that tank.
Here is a nice video about halides.

Grandis.

Greaps · Sep 26, 2017

So still looking on how to light a 36X36X24 tank. Looking like Cozumel Sun is the best reflector for the job, appearances wise its height is a concern.

Cozumel Sun $410 (reflector, magnetic ballast, and a radium bulb)

Only problem is I think is it would require a floating canopy of some sort to mount any additional supplements I can't do a dark tank when the halide is off. Need to have at least 12 hours of viewing time, and a little more of moon lights.

I have one idea to use an Led I all ready own to give me some dawn / dusk / and moon lights, its a small 60w programable fixture the "Coral Box Moon". I think It could be mounted on wedge like angle to spread the light better being it can't be centered with the big reflector in the way. Heres a picture of it Coral Box Moon for anyone who hasn't seen it.

Breadman03 · Sep 26, 2017

wooglins said:
I have been trying to sell my Hamilton fixture for 3years and nary a nibble. 48 inch. No one wants that fossil.

I looked at your fixture a few times, but my tank is only 36"...

DSC reef · Sep 26, 2017

A. grandis said:
Take your time, but keep filling up that tank.
Here is a nice video about halides.

Grandis.

Nice video grandis

A. grandis · Sep 26, 2017

Greaps said:
So still looking on how to light a 36X36X24 tank. Looking like Cozumel Sun is the best reflector for the job, appearances wise its height is a concern.

Cozumel Sun $410 (reflector, magnetic ballast, and a radium bulb)

Only problem is I think is it would require a floating canopy of some sort to mount any additional supplements I can't do a dark tank when the halide is off. Need to have at least 12 hours of viewing time, and a little more of moon lights.

I have one idea to use an Led I all ready own to give me some dawn / dusk / and moon lights, its a small 60w programable fixture the "Coral Box Moon". I think It could be mounted on wedge like angle to spread the light better being it can't be centered with the big reflector in the way. Heres a picture of it Coral Box Moon for anyone who hasn't seen it.