replacment mh bulb

BoneXriffic · Mar 29, 2016

Looking to replace my old mh bulb. The ballast is m58 and its currently a t15 14k.... this light was suggested. Does it appear correct. I have a 29gal. Softies. Bta for now. http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=859...ef2reef.com/posts/2834640/save-inline&xtz=240

reefwiser · Mar 30, 2016

250 watt MH for a 29 gallon tank kind of over kill. What fixture is this going in? Is this for the Bio cube 29 gallon?
here is the light for the biocube.

http://www.marineandreef.com/HQI_Metal_Halide_Lamp_Coralife_p/res53702.htm

BoneXriffic · Mar 30, 2016

Its just a replacment bulb. I already own the unit and its been in operation for a year....its a dual ballast but im only using one light for the moment. Ill be upgrading at some point to a 100g 18x18x60 and im hoping the twin 250s will be sufficient. For now its the 12x18x30 standard 29gal tank. I actually did some looking and im going with the same basic bulb but 14000k.

120reefkeeper · Mar 30, 2016

Ok so when dealing with MH bulbs we need to know if it's a 250watt fixture or a 150 watt fixture. Also the base that you have . Is it a screw in or DE " double end"??

Here are some different types.

150watt morgal base

150watt double end also called 150watt DE

250watt morgal base

250watt double end also called 250watt DE

The 14k your looking for is the kelvin or the color of the bulb. You just have to make sure your matching up the correct base and wattage of the bulb to the fixture you have. If your aware of all this I don't want to insult you, I just want to make sure you get what you need and what you want. [emoji3]

BoneXriffic · Mar 30, 2016

Yes its an m58 ballast with a 250 currently in it.... Which i believe is probe start? Single ended....its more so a question of quality and whats a good balance of color and good for coral growth. The 20k suggested from what i read slows coral growth but is nice to look at

120reefkeeper · Mar 30, 2016

I would suggest 14k but that's my preference . The Hamilton 250watt 14k are more on the affordable side and are of good quality . Also the ushio bulbs come in 14k they are also really good quality, but more expensive.

When it comes to picking bulbs for color it's a personal preference . I like to see growth and a nice blue tint. That's why I pick 14k. If it's all about growth then 10k is your best bet IMO. Personally 20k is nice to look at but not all the time. I run 14k halides and t5 for my dusk and dawn effects....... It's a good blend .

BoneXriffic · Mar 30, 2016

Just ordered the 14k...had to rech 75 toget free shipping which justified buying a tunze 6015 magnetic powerhead....one is good enough for now id imagine as the only flow ive had was the return running 800gph. Would i be smart to put it opposite the return? Aim it at the corals and rock? Sorry for the questions ive never had a reef tank before just fish only....eels and inverts

120reefkeeper · Mar 30, 2016

BoneXriffic said:
Just ordered the 14k...had to rech 75 toget free shipping which justified buying a tunze 6015 magnetic powerhead....one is good enough for now id imagine as the only flow ive had was the return running 800gph. Would i be smart to put it opposite the return? Aim it at the corals and rock? Sorry for the questions ive never had a reef tank before just fish only....eels and inverts

Yes I'd put it opposite the return. As far as aiming it you may end up adjusting it so your not blasting the corals etc.... Most corals like to have good flow around them but not blasting them. No need to say sorry that's what we are all here for . To help each other out. I don't claim to know it all and I'd be very skittish of someone who said they did. Don't be afraid to experiment around with position.... You may even end up banking the flow off of tank corners etc to find what's right for you.