My new-used AquaMedic 250W MH

[don_chuwish]

Yippee! Package arrived from a private eBay seller today. This is a DE unit with magnetic ballast (not the Reeflex Cube). Came with a 20K bulb and I got a Phoenix 14K just in case we didn't like the color. So far I think it may be fine with the 20K bulb, time will tell.
I quickly whipped together a way to suspend it above the tank but went to dinner before giving it any on time. So tomorrow morning will be the first real trial. I have it about 14" above the water right now, plus two layers of white diffuser. Trying to avoid blasting the corals after their life with 55W PC 50/50 bulb in a good reflector about 1" off the water (upgraded kit hood light).
Wish me luck! Hoping this will let us in to a new range of coral options.

- D

 

[Albino]

Should be much better for you. Good luck!

 

[don_chuwish]

So the tank got 1 hour of trial exposure late this morning. It looked great and next we'll try the 14K bulb to compare. But here's some pics for reference:

Installed over tank

Top view. I liked getting the ballast above the water.

Using 55W PC 50/50 bulb in upgraded hood:

With the AquaMedic 20K MH warmed up:

Lots of light spill. We'll see how it looks lower, after acclimation. Might have to do a canopy or something.

 

[don_chuwish]

Heat impact was noticed. Before turning on the MH the tank was at 76.6 degrees. I watched it steadily rise and was getting worried, but it peaked out at 77. We'll have to wait and see how much worse it gets when closer to the water.

- D

 

[don_chuwish]

Interesting development. I removed the "10K" bulb to try the Phoenix 14K and discovered that it was actually a 20K AquaMedic brand. With the Phoenix 14K installed it really didn't seem much different.

Phoenix 14K:

 

[Holygral]

some bulb comparisons

CnidarianReef: Lamp Tests

 

[don_chuwish]

Hey thanks, yeah I'd seen that. One of the reasons I got the Phoenix bulb. It's interesting tho how "14K" and "20K" from two different brands look so similar.

- D