If they are selectable with multiple wattages, then yet. If just a straight 250w, then no. I have never used one, so just seen them and probably not the best person to ask.
aquatic t5 + Kessil 360 vs dimmable ATI 6 bulb
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Big E
Valuable Member
If you're leaning towards MH I'd go with the 250w with the m-80 ballast. If you go with the m58 it won't drive the bulbs the same.........it will be too blue. Over driven radiums create more par and better colors in acroporas. You wouldn't need the T5s and could just go with that. Then later if you want to add some bling you can get some LED strips. Imo, this gives you more flexibility in the future.
The T5s tend to get drowned out by the 250w bulbs, corals would benefit but visually you won't see a huge change in brightness. They do work out well for your dawn dusk, so that's good if you prefer that.
The Lumatek electronic ballasts have an HQI switch which is supposed to be the same as the m-80, so that may be an option as well. It also has switches for lower wattage bulbs. Again, this offers flexibility. I'm not sure Lumateks are sold in the US, but I believe these are the same.
https://www.marinedepot.com/CoralVu...lasts-CoralVue-CV25036-FILTACBAMHHFEB-vi.html
The T5s tend to get drowned out by the 250w bulbs, corals would benefit but visually you won't see a huge change in brightness. They do work out well for your dawn dusk, so that's good if you prefer that.
The Lumatek electronic ballasts have an HQI switch which is supposed to be the same as the m-80, so that may be an option as well. It also has switches for lower wattage bulbs. Again, this offers flexibility. I'm not sure Lumateks are sold in the US, but I believe these are the same.
https://www.marinedepot.com/CoralVu...lasts-CoralVue-CV25036-FILTACBAMHHFEB-vi.html
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Nimitz87
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as far as I understand it and I may very well be wrong ,but electronic adjustable ballast on HQI settimg boost wattage by 10% but not to the rated m80 330w ballast for radium bulbs you're 100% spot that they'll burn more blue than a properly driven radium.
I don't think I'd go m80's as I don't need the extra power /par from them. plan on the Hamilton 14k or possibly mega chrome crystal.
I'm all over the place as far as lights go. I definitely believe MH/t5 is the best way to go for coral health , simplicity etc. but the repeated cost of almost $200 a year is tough to eat. although a 6 bulb ATI sunpower would be $125ish a year. thats almost another fixture in a few years or some high end LED.
I know I wouldn't need the t5 with the MH's but I like the more subdued shimmer and blue pop of the t5 mixed with a warmer MH bulb like a 14k.
what about something like 2 of the Cayman sun's and no t5? or the cabo mini adjustable. don't think I can run the big couzmels they are too wide.
https://hamiltontechnology.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=17_85&product_id=91
https://hamiltontechnology.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=17_85&product_id=98
why the significant price increase for what looks to be the same size ? the adjustable one is cheaper.
this is really difficult.
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Big E
Valuable Member
Honestly, for a tank your size I'd focus on a hybrid system(T5 & LED) or a Sunpower. Either are fine options
LED as the main lights is going to be heavy up front cost. You will still have 4 bulbs to change out once a year.with a hybrid.
Sunpower-- it's plug and play and eliminates variables.
Like I mentioned above I prefer T5 as the main source for acropora dominant systems and to add LED strips for bling later if you choose.
LED as the main lights is going to be heavy up front cost. You will still have 4 bulbs to change out once a year.with a hybrid.
Sunpower-- it's plug and play and eliminates variables.
Like I mentioned above I prefer T5 as the main source for acropora dominant systems and to add LED strips for bling later if you choose.
