250w MH on a 20H

[SVT519]

This is my first experience with MH lighting. I am looking to get opinions if it is possible to suspend a MH high enough over my 20 H tank to turn it into a frag tank with out frying corals or loosing gallons of water a day yet retain the lights capabilities. The MH i got is made by custom sea life and to my understanding the company has gone out of business so i am also wondering how i can get bulbs for it. It is a double ended fixture. Thanks-Andrew

[erikharrison]

How big is the ballast? Is it brick sized? Does it say on wether or not it is magnetic or electronic??? You have a 250w HQI or DE setup, you should for the most part be able to just slap in a new bulb.

[SVT519]

Yes the ballast is like a brick and it says HQI. What is the difference? And how about putting it over the 20? I was thinking i could get a piece of (if i am thinking correctly) uv glass or what ever is used to help prevent evaporation and rid the harmful rays.

[brewercm]

If it doesn't already have a piece of glass on the fixture you will need to add a small sheet of UV glass to it, and it should be fine over your 20 high. Just put any lower light corals to the bottom of the tank. You can get a piece cut to fit into the fixture at most glass shops. As for the bulb pretty much any 250 watt DE bulb can be put in to replace what you have.

[erikharrison]

Yeah man you have an HQI ballast? Those ROCK from what I have read! It is a ballast specifically made for HQI bulbs, so yeah, sounds like you got a good light! You should be able to pick up pretty much any HQI bulb since your ballast is made for them. I know alot of people like the REEFLUX branded bulbs (made by Coralvue?). I bought mine from Aquarium Design, he has several brands to choose from.

[SVT519]

Thanks for all the input! I was also wondering if anyone knows the amount of power consumption used by these lights in terms of money spent for electricity?

[alton]

250W / .9 PF =277.78W X 10 HRS A DAY X 30 DAYS A MONTH = 83,333WHRS / 1,000 = 83.334 KWH X $10 CENTS A KWH = $8.33 a month