High pressure sodium or Halide

[aquanaut]

Can you use HPS lights on a reef tank. Is the color spectrum ok or stick with MH instead. They are much cheaper and more readily available.


Thanks

 

[gooyferret]

HPS? Do you mean like a halide shoplight bulb? Send a link to what you are refering to. Thanks.

 

[aquanaut]

HPs High Pressure Sodium bulbs
MH HID Metal Halide



Both are bright but not sure if the wavelength is similar.

http://www.topbulb.com/find/hid.asp

 

[AquaJoe]

In my honest opinion I would stick with the MH. HPS lighting would work, potentially can have a broader spectrum, is more efficient in terms of lumens per watt and in turn you save more $$$ on the electric bill BUT they would give your water a really Orangy.... HPS... Color which I don't think would be as appealing to the fish or their audience. The plants would sure love it though

Joe

 

[swissfish]

you can use hps balast with a mh conversion bulb but the kelvin rating is only about 4.5k. so better stick with mh's and you can get bulbs from 3k to 20k.

 

[aquanaut]

Is Mercury vapor an option? I dont think Halogens will work right? What about Xenon bulbs that simulate HID light . Available online (upgrades for car headlights)

 

[swissfish]

just check out the temp rating on all of the bulps. you want a temp betwen 6.5k and 20k

 

[skennelly]

Simple Answer: HPS will not work for aquarium usage. The light spectrum is not the right color range too yellow. HPS is commonly used in street lights and warehouses.

 

[Jason]

Simple Answer: HPS will not work for aquarium usage. The light spectrum is not the right color range too yellow. HPS is commonly used in street lights and warehouses.

and growing weed.

 

[skennelly]

Yes you are correct HPS is also used in growing plants, however the spectrum is still wrong for a reef and most likely you will either have a hideous looking tank that is yellow or it will cause an algae outbreak. I've seen it before.