This should help many beginners with a confusing decision.

[reefman23]

I think that this article covers the issue of lighting very well. All beginners should read about lighting before getting into reefing because it is generally one of the most expensive parts of the reef tank and sometimes one of the more daunting aspects. Anyway, I found it interesting and thought that i should share!! :thumbup:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... cleid=2707

 

[djconn]

Yeah, pretty good basic info...

I would have to disagree with a PC bulb replacement time of 14-24 months though. I'd say more like 6-9 months.

There is no way any PC bulb would last for 2 yrs.

 

[incysor]

It's a good basic overview, but I see several areas that I don't really agree with.

Here's some just after a quick scan of the article.

B

Electronic ballasts are supposed to be more effecient, and help extend bulb life a bit, but not to the extent that the article states.

A lot of the bulb life-expenctancy times seem incorrect to me both on the short and the long end.

It states that HO, and VHO setups are recommended for tanks that are over 24" deep. That's not really accurate. MH are pretty much recommended for anything over 20", and may include VHOs in the setup, but not VHO's alone.

It says that glass UV shields or glass tops should be used with all MH lamps, which is wrong. DE HQI bulbs requre a UV glass shield, and normal glass tops, will address the UV. SE bulbs have the UV shield incorporated into the bulb and don't require any additional shielding.