MH retrofit questions

[fishy929]

I purchased a dual 250w 20k MH retrofit kit earlier this week for my 55 gallon reef. I plan to install them this weekend, but I had a couple of questions.

The new lights are going to be replacing my two 65w 10k PC lights in my 48" JBJ Formosa hood. I will leave the other two 65w Actinics in the hood. http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_formosa_dx.html The hood sits approximately 6-8" off the water.

1) can I leave the plexiglass splash shield in place, or will it melt 8O

2) Between the Actinics and the 20k, will my lighting be too blue?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

1) can I leave the plexiglass splash shield in place, or will it melt

I would not have anything between the bulbs and the water.. The MH burns at around 600*. I would not recommend the plexi shield Also, I would shoot for the full 8" above the water....

2) Between the Actinics and the 20k, will my lighting be too blue?

I don't think it will be too bad.. Maybe a little bluer however, the MH 20K isn't a dark blue light, rather, it has a slight blue hue... I think it will look awsome... Only you will be able to make that decision.. Try it without the Actinics to see...

 

[fishy929]

Wow! 600 degrees? Just to put it in perspective, approximately how hot do PC lights burn? Am I going to require a chiller? :?

 

[cj10488]

PC lights burn quite hot as well I would guess 400*.. not close to MH though.. I wouldnt think you would need a chiller however if you dont have fans on your hood I would seriously think about putting a few on it.. I know I can really feel the heat from my PCs blowing thru the vents in the hood...

HtH,
James

 

[MR294]

With adequate ventilation, a chiller shouldn't be necessary with 250w halides (assuming the room temperature isn't too warm). Don't forget to acclimate any photosynthetic invertebrates to the new light slowly; it's quite a jump in intensity from 2x65w PCs I think you will be very happy with the upgrade to halides

 

[kribbz]

yeah just go to radio shack and gets some 4" computer fans to mount in your hood. thats what i did and i'll never have to open the heating vent in my room again!

 

[fishy929]

Thanks for all the great responses. I'm looking forward to the upgrade!

 

[Guest]

Good Luck with it!