Metal halide question

[aquarius]

Question:

My husband recently bought a pair of used 250 WATT Metal Halide lamps.
They had been used for warehouse lighting.
Were are going DIY as much as possible, for cost considerations as well as the feeling of I-did-it-myself.

We have been told they will be unsuitable for a reef tank because the color spectrum for warehouse lighting is not the same as for aquarium lighting.

We want to have corals .
Any ideas?

Thanks...sharon

:blob:

[johnfish]

The bulbs are probably not suitable, but the ballasts and sockets are good.

Most area lighting bulbs are 4K colour temperature, which is quite yellow. You need 5K or higher, more bluish white light.

What is the make of bulb and what is the number on them?

I'll see if I can find some info on them for you.

[aquarius]

Thanks john for your quick response.

So, even though the ballasts and sockets were used for warehouse lighting they will be okay for Reef quality bulbs? I have heard from my local aquarium suppy store(Big Als) that the ballast might blow an aquarium bulb......?????

At this point I dont know the make of the bulb or any numbers on them.

Thanks again...sharon

[Duce]

I have limited knowledge on MH but I doubt they will blow a bulb however some MH bulb will not fire depending on the type of ballast.

Out of curiousity which BigAl and who you were talking to...

[aquarius]

Big Als in Whitby, Ontario...couldnt tell you they guy's name.

[afss]

agreed that the light spectrum is probably not good but the common accepted low point is 6500. 6500k gives the best growth rates (or so it is said) but is a bit yellow. 10k and up are typically more of a white or white/blue light, typically more pleasing to the eye. If you run a 6500 and suplement it with vho actinics you should get a decent color.
Scott

[Wayne's World]

Sharon I live in Oshawa and deal with BA's. They know how to sell what they have, but their knowledge of MH's is somewhat limited. Your standard MH fixture should have no problem lighting a standard MH bulb. If it's the german style it will have problems lighting but usually will. You can tell the difference if there is a switch in the bulb. Those ones are designed for your type of ballasts. You've come to the right place to ask questions, try Mops.ca as well. If you're just starting a new system please don't listen to BA's, start here or MOPS. Here is a site that much better explains the difference in MH bulbs.

http://members.fortunecity.com/paulerik/id39.htm