some MH suggestions please...

[reefman23]

I have this satellite 2x40 c/f on my 16 gal bowfront:

http://www.aquariumguys.com/dualsatellite3.html

I plan on removing the daylight bulb/ballast and upgrading it by installing a 70 watt hqi mh. i would leave the actinic and also install an additional fan. Firstly, what do you guys think of this retro? Good idea? easy enough for a diy? I know some of you, (master er, especially) do tons of diy, any tips.

also, should i go with a 10,000k or 20,000k? Like i said, i plan to keep the actinic, so i don't know if a 20,000k with the actinic would be too blue. i prefer more of a blue look than the white light though.

thanks guys and gals :thanks

 

[incysor]

20k alone is very blue. Lots of folks that use them don't bother with actinics.

I've got one on the 75g, and it's a big change when the VHOs go out, and just the 20k is running.

B

 

[perpetual98]

It shouldn't be too bad. The hardest part is getting glass in there to help prevent UV burning. You can try a 14,000K bulb. I've got a couple Astralux 14KK bulbs laying around that I'm not going to be using. I think I posted them in the for sale section.

 

[reefman23]

so, incysor, would ou suggest i keep the daylight then? The daylight is similar to a sunpaq, its 6500 and 10,000 i think.

 

[incysor]

Probably. I'd at least keep it until you install the HQI. That way you can try it out with, and without it, and see which way you like it.

B

 

[reefman23]

cool, so when i get a few extra bucks, ill do it. ill make sure to take pics and display the project. thanks for your help

 

[incysor]

Excellent. We like pictures. :lol3:
B

 

[Master Er]

I probably am into DIY stuff but lighting isnt my department...unless I have the lights, then I'd know what to do with it and how to install it. Good luck!!!

 

[reefman23]

One more thing...how long can I expect an hqi to last? I've seen many websites say 10 to 16 month. This doesn't seem like very long considering many of these lamps claim a 15,000-20,000 hour burn time. How long have your guys' lamps generally lasted? Do these bulbs weaken over time?

 

[mikeguerrero]

I wouldn't worry about how long they last, in today's hobby it's really up to the reefer to notice changes in his habitants on lighting conditions. You will get a benchmark of how well things do with say 20,000k bulb.

With time the bulb will weaken and your critters will tell you hey man, I need a new pair of sneakers. It really depends on how often your lights are used, just like wearing out a pair of shoes.

You will love the color of the 20,000K they save you money on not having to get actinics. I know, because I own two 150K 20,000K HQI bulbs over my 72 gallon tank.

Hope this helps out.

Mike

 

[reefman23]

thanks Mike

 

[incysor]

MH lights lose their effectiveness after 10-12 months. While the bulb will likely still light up, the wavelength given off slowly changes and makes it less and less useful for photosynthetic purposes. HQI lights are supposed to last 4-5 months longer. The only sure fire way to tell, is by watching your tanks and paying attention to your corals. Most PC lights will last about the same as MH lights, but obviously put out less light. T-5 lights are supposed to last about the same as the HQIs, about 14-16 months, again not generally as bright as MH.

B

 

[skipm]

Another thing that can have an effect on the life of a bulb is the ballast, an electronic ballast give off a more steady current and doesn't overdrive the bulb so it will last longer and it will also burn cooler (another thing that helps increase bulb life). Another nice thing about an electronic ballast is that it runs cooler and uses less electricity than a magnetic ballast. Skip

 

[reefman23]

i thought that that was the case. thanks for the tips. I'll keep that in mind when i go to get a ballast.