LED's back to MH/T5

[Anthrax15]

I'm not fully satisfied with my current LED fixture so I will be switching back to MH/T5 combo over my 22g nano.

The fixture I will likely buy is the 24 Inch 150W Metal Halide + 2x24W T5 Aqua Medic Ocean Light Fixture w/ 150W Reeflex Magnetic Ballast. I don't see much info in regards to the build quality and such on any forums. Does anyone have any information on this fixture. I would like to put it over my 22g Tall ADA tank. Its a mixed reef focusing on LPS.

Build quality?
Pros/Cons?
Any Issues?
Too Much Light for my TanK?

I will be replacing the stock bulbs with a Phoenix 14k MH and Fiji Purple/AquaBlue Special T5's to get the full light spectrum.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Bump for you bro.

 

[Acropora52]

I had a similar setup with a 24" maristar over a 70 cube with great results. Hard to argue with phoenix metal halide. I like the Purple plus and blue plus for the sunrise/sunset look.

 

[Anthrax15]

Did your unit push out a lot of heat? I have a room that is natorius for being hot so Im trying to minimize the heat issue.

 

[Fishinizer]

What kind of led fixture was if?

 

[reefknight]

I had the older 48" version of that fixture and really enjoyed it. I ran the dual 250's with both Gmann Megachrome lamps and Ushio 20k's. Got the best results from the Ushio's. Great color and growth rates as well.

My only complaint (and my own fault for not listening to Aqua Medic) is that I blew the T5 ballast, twice. I was running the fixture in a canopy, which they tell you not to do. As I was running it in a canopy, I can't attest to the ratio.

GL!

 

[Acropora52]

the maristar was pretty cool. I've had the aquamedic units but in the single metal halide module, not with integrated t5s.

 

[Anthrax15]

It will be replacing a AI Sol Blue I am unhappy with. The missing spectrum doesn't sit well with me. Will the ballast for the new fixture (Reeflex Magnetic Ballast) properly power the Phoenix 14k Bulb?

Also, Im gonna go with a Phoenix 14k for the MH, An ATI Purple Plus and I need help
deciding between AquaBlue Special and Blue Plus. Tank will be mainly Zoas/Palys,
Acans, and Chalices. So I really would like that flourecent blue pop.

Can
anyone suggest which between the ATI AquaBlue Special and the ATI Blue Plus?

 

[Steven R]

ATI blue plus for the pop the blue special is to white.. And you cannot argue with the PAR output of the blue plus.. good luck

 

[reefknight]

+1

I'd go with the ATI Blue+ and either an ATI Purple+ or KZ Fiji Pink. Both will add the pop you're looking for and are also excellent dawn/dusk simulation.

 

[Anthrax15]

Awesome thank you everyone for the info. Does anyone know if that Ballast will work with the Phoenix 14k bulb?

 

[3mm3]

I run the 250w reeflex cube and use the 14k phoenix bulb. I also have used the Hamilton 14k bulb on this ballast and was satisfied. Again I run the 250 so not sure what the 150 would be like, however if its comparable to the matchup on mine you will be happy with your purchase. The balast is the best I have used. Zero problems, very quiet and practically no heat (running for about 2 years). As far as the fixture when i was running the 150w setup heat wasnt an issue but when I upped the wattage I did have to install a fan. 29g biocube.

 

[dankreef]

I have Hamiltons they are nice

 

[Kevin Kolinen]

Have the aqua medic 250 w MH ( no t5's) great fixture for the money. I'm sure if you go with the mh 150 (not the 250 as I had) and supplement with the t5 you'll be more than happy.