Growing with compact florescents?

I just bought a 150 watt (using 40 watts of electricity) compact florescent bulb to grow my tomatoes indoors with. It has an output of 3000k and 2600 lumens. Im just growing one plant, i was wondering if this would be sufficient. If not, any suggestions on a bulb that is not HID (metal halide, High pressure sodium, mercury vapor) but is cheap.

It would be plenty for most house plants, but I doubt it will be for a tomato plant. They want tons of sun even when you plant them outdoors.

For More Metal Halide Compact Info Click On The Blue Links Below

AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE COMPACT 24 36 48 60 72 250 HQI 150 400 WATT US $299.99

60 1072W Aquarium Metal Halide Light Power Compact PL 3x250 2x65 2x96 Actinic US $505.95

24 METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 380 WATT FISH TANK LAMP 2012 Ver US $189.99

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 150 COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 560 WATT MARINE REEF NEW 2012 US $379.99

96 250 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $1,099.99

60 Metal Halide Power Compact Aquarium Light 1072 watt US $499.99

48 760 Watt 2x250 Metal Halide Aquarium Light Compact Saltwater German Reflector US $299.90

AQUARIUM LIGHT HQI HALIDE BLUE METAL COMPACT 1400K 150W US $13.92

Aquarium Reef Light HQI Halide Metal Compact Bulb 150W US $13.94

Siphon Cleaner Led coralife Metal Halide Power Compact US $4.70

96 400 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $1,299.99

84 400 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $999.99

96 250 METAL HALIDE 4x96 COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 8 Feet Long LONGEST LIGHT US $1,049.99

72 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT W LED LUNAR MOON LIGHTS US $489.99

36 Metal Halide Power Compact Aquarium Light 342 watt US $219.99

CURRENT USA OUTER 0RBIT 150 HQI METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT REEF CORAL FISH LIGHT US $149.99

84 250 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $899.99

24 Metal Halide Power Compact Aquarium Light 280 watt US $219.99

Aquarium lighting is not just used for decoration so that you can see your fishes clearly during the night. They are also needed and are an important part of a reef aquarium. The proper lighting in an aquarium allows corals and invertebrates to survive. Light for these creatures is needed as their source of photosynthesis so they can generate more energy and food. Without it they will wither and die. So the lighting should be treated as an essential part of an aquarium.

Lightings for an aquarium can be divided in four main types. They are the fluorescent lighting, compact fluorescent lighting, incandescent lighting and metal halide lighting. The basic parts in an aquarium lighting system are the hoods, timers, reflectors, shields and ballasts.

For a living room set up, fluorescent lighting is the ideal lighting to use. Fluorescent bulbs are also very safe and energy-efficient and are ideal for tropical fish. Fluorescent lights come in different wattages, colors and lengths and are rated according to milliamp.

Compact fluorescent lighting is similar to fluorescent lighting but is much more powerful, energy-efficient and a great source for high-intensity lighting. It is the ideal aquarium lighting for deeper tanks.

On the other hand, for both small and big aquariums Incandescent lighting is ideal because of its versatile and inexpensive qualities. For small aquariums such type of lighting is very advantageous because it can fit different types of bulbs into it but in a deeper aquarium, this type of lighting becomes a disadvantage because the brightness of light is inadequate and bulb life is short.

But if you are looking for a more compact and aesthetic appeal and don't like fluorescent lights then a metal halide lighting may be the right fit for you. This type of lighting is very popular for reef or planted aquarium as it can really give an intensive light source. Its bulbs come in different colors and temperatures can produce a considerable amount of heat that is very useful in raising the temperatures of the aquarium water.

In choosing the right basic parts in an aquarium lighting system, hoods that easily open up with ease would be the practical choice while glass hoods are ideal for aquariums that have a sophisticated mix-and-match lighting system. Metal Halide lamps which produce harmful UV radiation and high emissions of heat should have built-in fans and UV absorbent filters.

Timers are devices that automatically turn an aquarium lighting system on and off at the same time every day. Timers can also control lighting hoods that are fitted with electronic ballasts.

Reflectors are used to direct light where it is needed. You can choose between the two basic types. They are the divergent and convergent. These two types either scatter or focus right amount light rays into the aquarium.

A shield is piece of glass that keeps water away from the bulbs and also helps prevent glass from falling into the aquarium if a bulb should break. It also keeps heat away from the water and reduces the damage caused by UV emissions.

Then ballasts are used to regulate the voltage from the regular source. They prevent burn-out bulbs and fires.

So, you see, there are a lot of choices, a lot of parts to choose from and to consider, so that you can get the right aquarium lighting. But always remember that they are not only used to make your aquarium look good and that each type of lighting functions differently and is compatible to different aquarium sizes. So choose well.

Author- Len Loman

About Best Pet Lighting:

Our site is best known for having the right equipment for the right aquarium. We have some great articles up on all areas of care for your aquarium but our main focus is Aquarium Lights And Aquarium Heaters

Please visit our site and we always love your feedback on our articles and products. We strive to have the best prices and selection on the internet.

Many thanks for reading our Metal Halide Compact article

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Metal Halide Compact is a post from: Tropical Fish

does any one know what type of metal halide bulb you use for exposure units?

is there a part number for them i can get from someone. and can you use any metal halide bulb 1000w or higher. thank you for you help

Do you mean bulbs for a studio lighting set up? If so, check your manual which will give yout the information you ask for.

For More Metal Halide Bulb Info Click On The Blue Links Below

24 METAL HALIDE LIGHT 250 4X 24 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHTING NEW FIXTURE W BULBS US $159.99

2ea Coralife Aqualight 150 watt HQI metal halide ballasts W Reflectors14K bulbs US $79.00

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 500 WATTS 2 X 250 HQI W BULBS LAMP HOOD MOON US $204.94

70 watt metal halide electronic ballast kit with rare Osram 5200K bulb US $9.50

250 Watts Metal Halide Bulb HQI 20000 K 20K FC2 DE Lamp US $9.95

3 Icecap Electronic Lamp Drivers 250w 120v single bulb never used Metal Halide US $225.00

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 300 WATTS 2 X 150 HQI BULBS LUNAR LIGHTING US $219.99

LOTS OF 5 MARINE COLOR 250W FC2 DE METAL HALIDE BULB US $99.99

LOTS OF 10 MARINE COLOR HQI 150W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $99.99

LOTS OF 3 MARINE COLOR 250W SE METAL HALIDE BULB HQI US $59.99

LOTS OF 5 MARINE COLOR HQI 70W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $69.99

LOTS OF 5 MARINE COLOR HQI 150W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $69.99

250 Watts Metal Halide Bulb HQI SPS 15000K 15K DE FC2 US $9.95

PHOENIX 250 W Watt HQI 14K Metal Halide Reef Coral Bulb US $49.99

PHOENIX 150 W Watt HQI 14K Metal Halide Reef Coral Bulb US $41.99

LOTS OF 10 MARINE COLOR HQI 70W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $99.99

2pcs 250W 14K Metal halide Aquarium bulb Tshape E39 US $35.10

3 250 watt Metal Halide Aquarium Bulbs Plus Rite Coralvue 10k 14k SE Mogul Reef US $.99

Aquarium metal halide lights icecap ballasts ushio bulbs TWO bulbs and ballasts US $46.00

AQUARIUM HALIDE CLAMP LIGHT 400 WATT METAL 400w REEF LIGHTING W BULB MARINE NEW US $189.99

2 175W 20K Metal Halide Aquarium bulb Lamp Tshape E39 US $35.50

250 WATT METAL HALIDE BULB CHOOSE COLOR 10K 14K 20K AQUARIUM LIGHTING LIGHT US $16.99

Coralife 175 Watt True 10000K Metal Halide Bulb US $13.49

400 WATT METAL HALIDE BULB CHOOSE COLOR 10K 14K 20K AQUARIUM LIGHT MARINE US $16.99

3pc LOT 250W HQI DE 20000K 20K FC2 Metal Halide Bulbs US $70.35

Metal halide lights are considered as high intensity discharge lamps and are mainly used for commercial use but they can also be used in residencies but as they operate under high pressure and temperatures you need to make sure that you have the correct fittings for the lights otherwise they are very dangerous and will not operate correctly. Places that you are likely to see metal halide lights include places such as a football stadium or athletics stadium where they have floodlights, they are also used in large warehouse and places where they need such high lighting.

The thing is these kinds of bulbs are a lot more efficient that the usual incandescent lights by using 24% of the energy it uses going direct to light whereas with a normal incandescent bulb only round 10% of the energy goes towards actual light. The problem is though that metal halide bulbs are not usually for general use lighting.

Another thing with metal halide lights is that they can take a little while before they reach their full light, this can take a matter of seconds or it can take up to 5 minutes for it to reach its full light as if it is being turned on after being off for a while all of the gases and electricity need to heat up, this can cause the lights to go through a few different colours as this is being powered up before it hits its full intense light.

If a metal halides start up gets interrupted then you will have to wait between 5-10 minutes before you are able to restart the bulb as the hot arc tube inside which powers the start up will be put out completely. One other thing is that a warmish light can take longer than a cold one to heat up and show its full light.

Metal halide lights have some dangers to human eyes and skin if they are broken or unshielded making them rather hazardous meaning that you should always make sure that they have a good life left in them and that there are no faults before using them.

Another problem with metal halide lights is that some types of them are susceptible to explosions when their lifespan is coming to an end. It is recommended that these fixtures are turned off for at the very least 15 minutes per week if they are in constant use so that you can reduce the possibilities of an explosion.

The life expectancy for metal halide lamps is usually around 6000 hours (2 years) so therefore you should always check them roughly every 6 months or so to just check that they are in good condition. There are also different types of metal halide lights that can last up to 20,000 hours, these bulbs would not need to be checked as often but still should be so that you can maintain them well and make sure they last as long as possible safely.

Want to find metal halide bulbs?

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Metal Halide Bulb is a post from: Tropical Fish

Where can I get cheap metal halide for my reef aquarium?

www.yourreef.com
www.suburbanreef.com
urbanoceans.net
www.innovativelights.com
www.marineandreef.com
www.petsolutions.com

For More Metal Halide Aquarium Info Click On The Blue Links Below

400W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast HQI Aquarium Light 110V to 240V Universal US $109.95

60 1072W Aquarium Metal Halide Light Power Compact PL 3x250 2x65 2x96 Actinic US $505.95

48 500 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light Reef 2x 250 HQI LED Coral Reef Marine US $247.95

48 716W HQI Aquarium Light Metal Halide T5 Reef Fish LED 2x250W 4x54W Saltwater US $289.95

24 METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 380 WATT FISH TANK LAMP 2012 Ver US $189.99

72 METAL HALIDE T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT LUNAR MOON MOONLIGHTS MARINE REEF NEW US $539.99

24 346W 4X24W T5 Aquarium Light 250W Metal Halide LED Hood Coral Reef Saltwater US $186.95

24 METAL HALIDE LIGHT 250 4X 24 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHTING NEW FIXTURE W BULBS US $159.99

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 150 COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 560 WATT MARINE REEF NEW 2012 US $379.99

Lumen Max 3 Reflector Metal Halide Aquarium Light w 250 Watt Galaxy Ballast US $185.00

96 250 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $1,099.99

24 380W Metal Halide PL Lighting Aquarium Light Hood Reef Marine Coral LED US $199.95

250 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $93.95

48 760W Metal Halide Aquarium Light HQIi PL 4x65 2X250 Marine Reef LEDs Actinic US $331.95

AQUARIUM HALIDE CLAMP LIGHT 250 WATT METAL 250w REEF AQUARIUM LAMP LIGHTING NEW US $179.99

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 300 WATTS 2 X 150 HQI BULBS LUNAR LIGHTING US $219.99

60 Metal Halide T5 HO Aquarium Light Moonlights NEW US $499.99

ADV PLUS Aquarium Metal Halide 1070W Reef MH Light 72 US $499.99

2pcs 250W 14K Metal halide Aquarium bulb Tshape E39 US $35.10

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 500 WATTS 2 X 250 HQI W BULBS LAMP HOOD MOON US $204.94

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 400 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT 1016 WATT LUNAR MOON REEF NEW 2012 US $539.99

3x250W Metal Halide 4x96W PL 72 1134W Aquarium Light Hood Reef Coral LEDs Fans US $552.95

48 ADV PLUS Aquarium Metal Halide 716W Reef Fish Fan US $279.99

AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE COMPACT 24 36 48 60 72 250 HQI 150 400 WATT US $299.99

250 WATT METAL HALIDE BULB CHOOSE COLOR 10K 14K 20K AQUARIUM LIGHTING LIGHT US $16.99

Aquarium lighting isn't just lighting, its specialist lighting; more than that, the way you light your aquarium really is the difference between life and death for your fish.

The idea is that the lighting system in your aquarium replicates as closely as possible the light conditions that your fish would enjoy in their natural habitat. The closer you get the better. Move too far away from the habitat lighting and your fish will become stressed and fail to grow. From a purely selfish point of view, if you don't have the right light in your aquarium, your fish will lose their colours, and the chances are that is exactly what you bought them for.

The important thing to understand when you look at aquarium lighting is the Kelvin rating; which is what the K numbers you see on aquarium lights represent. The Kelvin rating gives you some idea of the temperature of the light, that is, how warm or cold looking it is. Cold, blue light has a 'high tech' clinical feel to it and is around 10,000K; this is the sort of temperature that would be used for a tank where you keep reefs and plants. The lowest Kelvin rated aquarium lighting is around 5,500K; the lower rated lamps are used for aquaria with freshwater fish and no plant life.

The best lamps, which are available in a wide range of Kelvin ratings, are metal halide lamps. They produce a shimmer, not unlike sunlight shining on water. Metal halide lamps range in intensity from 75 watts to 1,000 watts and their only disadvantage is that they generate heat - so do be careful.

If you are a new aquarist, you'll probably start your aquarium lighting career with fluorescent lighting, which are the type that are usually provided as part of a lighting kit. Fluorescent tubes for aquaria come in a range of colour temperatures and in three standard sizes. Sizes are indicated by a T number; T12, T8, and T5. You'll need at least a couple of lights, depending on the size of your tank, because fluorescent lamps are far lower in terms of intensity than metal halide. On the plus side though, they don't get hot!

The topic of aquarium lighting is complex and wide ranging, and you would be well advised to get a book on the subject, unless you have a well-informed friend. We've only touched on the subject here, and we haven't got as far as even mentioning marine aquarium lighting!

In the meantime, however, you could take a look at our range of aquarium lighting - it might just whet your appetite. http://www.deslamps.co.uk/index.php?cPath=953_790&utm_source=ezine&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=Aquarium%2Blamps

Read on in our great blog........ http://www.deslamps.co.uk/blog/category/interior-lighting/aquarium-lighting?utm_source=Ezine&utm_medium=Aquarium%2BLighting%2BArticles&utm_term=Lighting&utm_content=Aquarium%2BLighting&utm_campaign=Aquarium%2BLights

Many thanks for reading our Metal Halide Aquarium article

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Metal Halide Aquarium is a post from: Tropical Fish

A ballast is a transformer and a capacitor.
You need to test the output of the transformer and you need to test the capacitor.

For More Metal Halide Ballast Info Click On The Blue Links Below

250 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $84.90

400W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast HQI Aquarium Light 110V to 240V Universal US $109.95

Vue Technology HID electronic Ballast Dimmable 400 watt Metal Halide socket US $127.50

250w Metal Halide MH ballast and mogule retro US $100.00

2ea Coralife Aqualight 150 watt HQI metal halide ballasts W Reflectors14K bulbs US $79.00

Blue Wave 1 Remote Pulse Start 250W Metal Halide Ballast by Sunlight Supply US $99.99

CORALIFE 250 Watt Metal Halide Ballast US $65.00

Lumen Max 3 Reflector Metal Halide Aquarium Light w 250 Watt Galaxy Ballast US $185.00

PFO 150 HQI w moonlight and new electronic ballast reef light metal halide US $159.99

70 watt metal halide electronic ballast kit with rare Osram 5200K bulb US $9.50

250 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $93.95

250W 110V METAL HALIDE ELECTRONIC Ballast AQUARIUM HQI US $69.99

Hamilton Technogy Metal Halide 400 Watt Assembled Ballast US $175.00

Diamond Metal Halide 400 Watt With Ballast US $150.00

Metal Halide 400 Watt Assembled Ballast With Cord US $100.00

Hamilton Technology Metal Halide 400 Watt Assembled Ballast US $150.00

Hamilton Technology Metal Halide 250 Watt Assembled Ballast US $150.00

Aquarium metal halide lights icecap ballasts ushio bulbs TWO bulbs and ballasts US $46.00

CORA LIFE AQUALIGHT 150WATT HQI METAL HALIDE BALLAST US $40.00

250W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast Aquarium Light HQI US $84.90

48 Metal Halide T5 HO Aquarium Light 150 HQI Moon NEW 2012 MODEL 5 YR BALLAST US $369.99

150W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast HQI Aquarium Light 110V to 240V Universal US $79.90

150 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $79.90

Coral Vue 175 Metal Halide Electronic Ballast US $114.00

400 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $99.90

mage lang="en" source="youtube" backup="article"]Metal Halide Ballast[/mage]

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Can I keep a crocea clam in a 24g reef tank?

I think I'm going to buy the AquaPod 24g 150W HQI Metal Halide system and turn it into a reef environment. can i keep a clam in it or is it too small of a tank?

With those lights and that small of an aquarium it should be no problem, they grow to about 6"

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=579

You SHOULD wait at least 6 months before buying one because they are filter feeders and require a mature tank with plenty of micro organisms in the water.

For More Hqi Metal Halide Info Click On The Blue Links Below

48 716W HQI Aquarium Light Metal Halide T5 Reef Fish LED 2x250W 4x54W Saltwater US $289.90

250 Watts Metal Halide Bulb HQI 20000 K 20K FC2 DE Lamp US $9.95

400W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast HQI Aquarium Light 110V to 240V Universal US $109.95

48 500 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light Reef 2x 250 HQI LED Coral Reef Marine US $247.95

2ea Coralife Aqualight 150 watt HQI metal halide ballasts W Reflectors14K bulbs US $79.00

PFO 150 HQI w moonlight and new electronic ballast reef light metal halide US $159.99

250 Watts Metal Halide Bulb HQI SPS 15000K 15K DE FC2 US $9.95

AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE COMPACT 24 36 48 60 72 250 HQI 150 400 WATT US $299.99

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 500 WATTS 2 X 250 HQI W BULBS LAMP HOOD MOON US $204.94

PHOENIX 150 W Watt HQI 14K Metal Halide Reef Coral Bulb US $41.99

PHOENIX 250 W Watt HQI 14K Metal Halide Reef Coral Bulb US $49.99

36 Metal Halide Aquarium Reef Light HQI 406W SPS Lunar US $189.99

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 300 WATTS 2 X 150 HQI BULBS LUNAR LIGHTING US $219.99

48 Metal Halide Aquarium Reef Light HQI 716W SPS Lunar US $269.99

LOTS OF 10 MARINE COLOR HQI 150W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $99.99

LOTS OF 3 MARINE COLOR 250W SE METAL HALIDE BULB HQI US $59.99

LOTS OF 5 MARINE COLOR HQI 70W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $69.99

LOTS OF 5 MARINE COLOR HQI 150W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $69.99

150 HQI METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LIGHT CLAMP LIGHT FISH W MOON LIGHTS LUNAR US $199.95

150 watts Metal Halide Bulb MH Lamp HQI Aquarium Mairne Coral Reef 15000K 15K DE US $10.95

HQI 250W FC2 BASE SOCKET DIY PART LIGHTING METAL HALIDE US $4.99

LOTS OF 10 MARINE COLOR HQI 70W METAL HALIDE BULBS US $99.99

3pc LOT 250W HQI DE 20000K 20K FC2 Metal Halide Bulbs US $70.35

XM 150 watt 20K DE HQI Metal Halide US $45.00

XM Double Ended HQI Metal Halide Lamp 250W 15000K US $34.20

Many reef aquarium enthusiasts are well aware and keep a rigorous schedule of doing weekly and even daily maintenance on their reef aquariums to keep the water quality in check. From daily dosing of calcium and ph stabilizer to keep the alkalinity, ph and calcium levels at a level for optimum coral growth, to weekly water changes to keep nitrates and nitrites in check and add trace elements.

We all know about keeping the mechanical filters cleaned to keep from depleting oxygen levels. But may people forget about the importance of maintaining the lighting on their reef aquariums. It is not something that is noticed by the human eye because the change in intensity and color happens at such a gradual pace. The gradual deterioration of the lighting can be evident in several ways in the reef aquarium. There seems to be something wrong. The corals are not opening fully like they used to and some may even start to regress. There is suddenly growth of unwanted algae with seemingly perfect water quality.

You would not think of waiting until ammonia and nitrates get out of hand to start doing water changes, so why wait until the lighting has deteriorated to change the bulbs. Many aquarium light fixtures have a glass or plexiglass cover that over time will build up a fine coating of dust reducing the amount of light reaching the corals. This cover should be cleaned on a monthly basis.

The manufacturers for metal halides recommend changing the bulbs every six months. Fluorescent bulbs such as VHO, power compacts, actinic, and T5s recommend replacement at 8 - 12 months. Many studies have concluded that metal halide bulbs can loose up to 50 percent of their original intensity and color temperature with in 1 year. In other words, a 14,000K HQI bulb after a year could have a color temperature of 7,000K.

This would explain the algae growth since plants tend to utilize more of the red spectrum, while the zooxanthellae found in the coral tissues thrive more on the blue part of the spectrum. In simple terms, the higher the color temperature, the higher the blue part of the spectrum is visible and the lower the color temperature, the higher the red part of the spectrum is visible. To simulate the lighting for the reef aquarium we need to understand the light that occurs naturally on the reef with sunlight. The ocean has a blue color because it is the blue part of the spectrum that penetrates the water the deepest and the red and yellow are filtered out.

Color Shift and Variation

New metal halide bulbs need to have the arc tube chemicals "burn-in" for approximately 100 hours before they reach their optimum color and light level. This is why new lamps can sometimes be unstable or vary in color. Many manufacturers "burn-in" their bulbs before they are sold. As the lamps age, chemical changes occur in the lamp causing shifts in the chromaticity of the lamps. Different lamp designs shift in different ways, and different lamps from the same group may shift in different amounts.

Generally, over the economic life lamps will shift 200K to 300K in color temperature. As a group of lamps ages together in a facility, the lamps will generally shift at the same rate causing very little color variation from lamp to lamp. However, if new replacement lamps are introduced into the group of lamps, color differences may be more noticeable, because the new lamps have not aged and shifted with the remainder of lamps. This is just one of the reasons why many users prefer to group relamp as opposed to spot relamping.

Although Fluorescent bulbs do not have a burn-in time and last longer they tend to build up a coating on the tube, reducing the intensity and color temperature.

PAR - Polysynthetic Available Radiation.

While PAR might be an unfamiliar term in comparison to the more often seen Lumens or Lux, it is by far the most appropriate way for us to assess light in connection with the reef tank since it measures the light intensity of the spectrum that is utilized by the corals. Lumens and Lux are measurements of how bright a light source appears to the human eye and as such has little relevance in the reef aquarium.

I believe that a PAR meter is an instrument that all serious reef aquarists should own. Buying one that has a submersible sensor allows you to measure the amount light that's actually reaching your corals. This in turn gives you the information you need when positioning or repositioning your corals to ensure that all the various species are receiving light that's optimum for their requirements.

For information visit ReefKeepingFever.com

RC Moore content writer for http://www.reefkeepingfever.com

Many thanks for reading our Hqi Metal Halide article

Hqi Metal Halide is a post from: Tropical Fish

Have them ship to someone you know in the US, then have THEM ship the lamps to you in PR.

Check with "The UPS Store". Maybe you can ship to them, then ship from them to you.

For More Aquarium Metal Halide Info Click On The Blue Links Below

400W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast HQI Aquarium Light 110V to 240V Universal US $109.95

60 1072W Aquarium Metal Halide Light Power Compact PL 3x250 2x65 2x96 Actinic US $505.95

48 500 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light Reef 2x 250 HQI LED Coral Reef Marine US $247.95

48 716W HQI Aquarium Light Metal Halide T5 Reef Fish LED 2x250W 4x54W Saltwater US $289.95

24 METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 380 WATT FISH TANK LAMP 2012 Ver US $189.99

72 METAL HALIDE T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT LUNAR MOON MOONLIGHTS MARINE REEF NEW US $539.99

24 346W 4X24W T5 Aquarium Light 250W Metal Halide LED Hood Coral Reef Saltwater US $186.95

24 METAL HALIDE LIGHT 250 4X 24 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHTING NEW FIXTURE W BULBS US $159.99

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 150 COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 560 WATT MARINE REEF NEW 2012 US $379.99

Lumen Max 3 Reflector Metal Halide Aquarium Light w 250 Watt Galaxy Ballast US $185.00

96 250 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $1,099.99

24 380W Metal Halide PL Lighting Aquarium Light Hood Reef Marine Coral LED US $199.95

250 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $93.95

48 760W Metal Halide Aquarium Light HQIi PL 4x65 2X250 Marine Reef LEDs Actinic US $331.95

AQUARIUM HALIDE CLAMP LIGHT 250 WATT METAL 250w REEF AQUARIUM LAMP LIGHTING NEW US $179.99

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 300 WATTS 2 X 150 HQI BULBS LUNAR LIGHTING US $219.99

60 Metal Halide T5 HO Aquarium Light Moonlights NEW US $499.99

ADV PLUS Aquarium Metal Halide 1070W Reef MH Light 72 US $499.99

2pcs 250W 14K Metal halide Aquarium bulb Tshape E39 US $35.10

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 500 WATTS 2 X 250 HQI W BULBS LAMP HOOD MOON US $204.94

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 400 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT 1016 WATT LUNAR MOON REEF NEW 2012 US $539.99

3x250W Metal Halide 4x96W PL 72 1134W Aquarium Light Hood Reef Coral LEDs Fans US $552.95

48 ADV PLUS Aquarium Metal Halide 716W Reef Fish Fan US $279.99

AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE COMPACT 24 36 48 60 72 250 HQI 150 400 WATT US $299.99

250 WATT METAL HALIDE BULB CHOOSE COLOR 10K 14K 20K AQUARIUM LIGHTING LIGHT US $16.99

Reef Tank Metal Halide Light Startup

Many thanks for reading our Aquarium Metal Halide article

Aquarium Metal Halide is a post from: Tropical Fish

Actinic lights are primarily for aesthetic purposes, although they do serve a practical function for certain invertebrates such as coral.

In nature, reefs are located generally from sea level to 40 or 50 feet deep. On average, 10 to 20 feet of water is typical. When sunlight hits the water, much of it is simply reflected away. Some doesn't and penetrates deeper in the water. Because of the wavelengths, the red end of the spectrum gets filtered out/blocked first. This is why red things (fish, coral, etc.) under water aren't very common, nor are they easy to see -- they look black without the red spectrum.

The blue end of the spectrum is the last to be filtered out -- hence the typical deep blue hues you see in underwater pictures, and a reason there are so many blue fish in the ocean.

Actinic bulbs mimic these hues, and make an aquarium look as if it is deeper than the foot or two under water that it really is. In addition, because the blue is the last to be filtered out, it is used by various invertebrates like corals and sea anemones as food. That is, the zooxanthellae in their tissues use the light as food, and their wastes (starches and sugars) are what feed the animal.

Hope it helps!

For More Light Metal Halide Info Click On The Blue Links Below

48 716W HQI Aquarium Light Metal Halide T5 Reef Fish LED 2x250W 4x54W Saltwater US $289.90

400W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast HQI Aquarium Light 110V to 240V Universal US $109.95

60 1072W Aquarium Metal Halide Light Power Compact PL 3x250 2x65 2x96 Actinic US $505.95

48 500 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light Reef 2x 250 HQI LED Coral Reef Marine US $247.95

PCB LCD INSPECTION Metal Halide Light Source BMH 250 MEGIRO PRICISONNEW US $2,999.00

24 METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 380 WATT FISH TANK LAMP 2012 Ver US $189.99

72 METAL HALIDE T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT LUNAR MOON MOONLIGHTS MARINE REEF NEW US $539.99

24 346W 4X24W T5 Aquarium Light 250W Metal Halide LED Hood Coral Reef Saltwater US $186.95

24 METAL HALIDE LIGHT 250 4X 24 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHTING NEW FIXTURE W BULBS US $159.99

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 150 COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 560 WATT MARINE REEF NEW 2012 US $379.99

Lumen Max 3 Reflector Metal Halide Aquarium Light w 250 Watt Galaxy Ballast US $185.00

PFO 150 HQI w moonlight and new electronic ballast reef light metal halide US $159.99

96 250 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $1,099.99

24 380W Metal Halide PL Lighting Aquarium Light Hood Reef Marine Coral LED US $199.95

250 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $93.95

48 760W Metal Halide Aquarium Light HQIi PL 4x65 2X250 Marine Reef LEDs Actinic US $331.95

AQUARIUM HALIDE CLAMP LIGHT 250 WATT METAL 250w REEF AQUARIUM LAMP LIGHTING NEW US $179.99

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 300 WATTS 2 X 150 HQI BULBS LUNAR LIGHTING US $219.99

60 Metal Halide T5 HO Aquarium Light Moonlights NEW US $499.99

ADV PLUS Aquarium Metal Halide 1070W Reef MH Light 72 US $499.99

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 500 WATTS 2 X 250 HQI W BULBS LAMP HOOD MOON US $204.94

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 400 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT 1016 WATT LUNAR MOON REEF NEW 2012 US $539.99

AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE COMPACT 24 36 48 60 72 250 HQI 150 400 WATT US $299.99

3x250W Metal Halide 4x96W PL 72 1134W Aquarium Light Hood Reef Coral LEDs Fans US $552.95

250 WATT METAL HALIDE BULB CHOOSE COLOR 10K 14K 20K AQUARIUM LIGHTING LIGHT US $16.99

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Many thanks for reading our Light Metal Halide article

Light Metal Halide is a post from: Tropical Fish

i have a salt water reef tank with 150 watt metal halide 20000k?

and i was wondering ! can i use a normal metal halide bulb which is 6400 kelvin instead of 20000 kelvin ; in other words is too much kelvin capacity necessary for the growth of anemone and coral . my tank is 50 gallon height 55 cm length 1 meter and width 45cm do you think also that 1 metal halide x 150 watt is enough for my tank or should i combine it with another metal halide lamp or any other kind of light if yes please specify the kind of light and power.

I'll agree with the others on this. The number is referred to as the color temperature. Have you ever taken a photograph indoors with incandescent or fluorescent lighting? Under incandescent light, the photo looks orangish and under fluorescent it looks bluish-green. This is an effect of color temperature. Your anemones and corals need light that's a specific color wavelength, so you'll need something in a higher range than 6400K, otherwise the photosynthetic algae within their cells won't be able to photosynthesize and produce food, and your anemones and corals will die.

For More Watt Metal Halide Info Click On The Blue Links Below

48 500 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light Reef 2x 250 HQI LED Coral Reef Marine US $247.95

Vue Technology HID electronic Ballast Dimmable 400 watt Metal Halide socket US $127.50

24 METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 380 WATT FISH TANK LAMP 2012 Ver US $189.99

2ea Coralife Aqualight 150 watt HQI metal halide ballasts W Reflectors14K bulbs US $79.00

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 150 COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 560 WATT MARINE REEF NEW 2012 US $379.99

CORALIFE 250 Watt Metal Halide Ballast US $65.00

Lumen Max 3 Reflector Metal Halide Aquarium Light w 250 Watt Galaxy Ballast US $185.00

70 watt metal halide electronic ballast kit with rare Osram 5200K bulb US $9.50

250 Watts Metal Halide Bulb HQI 20000 K 20K FC2 DE Lamp US $9.95

250 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $93.95

AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE COMPACT 24 36 48 60 72 250 HQI 150 400 WATT US $299.99

AQUARIUM HALIDE CLAMP LIGHT 250 WATT METAL 250w REEF AQUARIUM LAMP LIGHTING NEW US $179.99

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 500 WATTS 2 X 250 HQI W BULBS LAMP HOOD MOON US $204.94

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 300 WATTS 2 X 150 HQI BULBS LUNAR LIGHTING US $219.99

48 716 Watt 2X250 Metal Halide Aquarium Light T5 Actinic German Reflector Lunar US $289.90

250 Watts Metal Halide Bulb HQI SPS 15000K 15K DE FC2 US $9.95

PHOENIX 150 W Watt HQI 14K Metal Halide Reef Coral Bulb US $41.99

PHOENIX 250 W Watt HQI 14K Metal Halide Reef Coral Bulb US $49.99

XM 150 watt 20K DE HQI Metal Halide US $45.00

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 400 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT 1016 WATT LUNAR MOON REEF NEW 2012 US $539.99

Current USA SunPod 250 Watt DE Metal Halide Fixture US $300.00

Hamilton Technogy Metal Halide 400 Watt Assembled Ballast US $175.00

Diamond Metal Halide 400 Watt With Ballast US $150.00

Metal Halide 400 Watt Assembled Ballast With Cord US $100.00

Hamilton Technology Metal Halide 400 Watt Assembled Ballast US $150.00

Holophane 175 watt metal halide fixture firing up

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Many thanks for reading our Watt Metal Halide article

Watt Metal Halide is a post from: Tropical Fish

metal halide?

I am in the process of changing out three metal halide bulb.I wanted to make sure that all the new MH bulbs (when I got home).The MH's screwed into my house lamp just fine, but did not work.I wonder why.

Yes. And a capacitor to start them.

For More Metal Halide Info Click On The Blue Links Below

400W Metal Halide Electronic Ballast HQI Aquarium Light 110V to 240V Universal US $109.95

60 1072W Aquarium Metal Halide Light Power Compact PL 3x250 2x65 2x96 Actinic US $505.95

48 500 Watt Metal Halide Aquarium Light Reef 2x 250 HQI LED Coral Reef Marine US $247.95

48 716W HQI Aquarium Light Metal Halide T5 Reef Fish LED 2x250W 4x54W Saltwater US $289.95

PCB LCD INSPECTION Metal Halide Light Source BMH 250 MEGIRO PRICISONNEW US $2,999.00

Vue Technology HID electronic Ballast Dimmable 400 watt Metal Halide socket US $127.50

24 METAL HALIDE POWER COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 380 WATT FISH TANK LAMP 2012 Ver US $189.99

250w Metal Halide MH ballast and mogule retro US $100.00

72 METAL HALIDE T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT LUNAR MOON MOONLIGHTS MARINE REEF NEW US $539.99

24 346W 4X24W T5 Aquarium Light 250W Metal Halide LED Hood Coral Reef Saltwater US $186.95

24 METAL HALIDE LIGHT 250 4X 24 T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHTING NEW FIXTURE W BULBS US $159.99

2ea Coralife Aqualight 150 watt HQI metal halide ballasts W Reflectors14K bulbs US $79.00

48 METAL HALIDE 2x 150 COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT 560 WATT MARINE REEF NEW 2012 US $379.99

Blue Wave 1 Remote Pulse Start 250W Metal Halide Ballast by Sunlight Supply US $99.99

CORALIFE 250 Watt Metal Halide Ballast US $65.00

Lumen Max 3 Reflector Metal Halide Aquarium Light w 250 Watt Galaxy Ballast US $185.00

PFO 150 HQI w moonlight and new electronic ballast reef light metal halide US $159.99

96 250 Metal Halide 4x96 Compact Aquarium Light Moon US $1,099.99

24 380W Metal Halide PL Lighting Aquarium Light Hood Reef Marine Coral LED US $199.95

70 watt metal halide electronic ballast kit with rare Osram 5200K bulb US $9.50

250 Watt Metal Halide Electronic Ballast 110V 240V Compatible Aquarium Lighting US $93.95

48 760W Metal Halide Aquarium Light HQIi PL 4x65 2X250 Marine Reef LEDs Actinic US $331.95

AQUARIUM HALIDE CLAMP LIGHT 250 WATT METAL 250w REEF AQUARIUM LAMP LIGHTING NEW US $179.99

3 Icecap Electronic Lamp Drivers 250w 120v single bulb never used Metal Halide US $225.00

48 AQUARIUM LIGHT METAL HALIDE 300 WATTS 2 X 150 HQI BULBS LUNAR LIGHTING US $219.99

It's not often that the world of garden lighting is stirred by a new lighting technology. Then two come along in quick succession. Not so long ago LEDs were the Next Big Thing. Now there's a new kid in town - the MR16 metal halide lamp.

Shrinking metal halide technology down to the diminutive dimensions of an MR16 lamp is a major technical achievement. The difficulty of doing so is reflected in the very high cost of the lamps, although it seems fair to assume that prices will fall as production ramps up and competition between manufacturers begins to bite.

But price aside, what makes the metal halide MR16 lamp remarkable is its performance. Currently available in 20 Watt and 35 Watt versions, both produce approximately three times the light output of an equivalent standard MR16 halogen lamp. The 20 Watt lamp therefore has a light output equivalent to around 60 Watts of standard halogen, and the 35 Watt lamp has a light output equivalent to about 100 Watts of standard halogen.

Greener readers, or those who like to keep an eye on their electricity bills, will have already spotted that all that light is produced for relatively few Watts. Admittedly, metal halide's energy consumption does not grab the headlines in quite the same way as the mere 5 Watts of the MR16 LEDs and E27 fluorescent lamps commonly used in outdoor lighting, but metal halide is actually more energy efficient than either in terms of lumens produced per Watt.

So the twin selling points of the metal halide MR16 lamp is that it packs a lot of lighting punch into a discreetly sized spotlight, and you will not have to check with your bank every time you wish to switch it on. This was sufficient to persuade at least one garden lighting manufacturer - New Zealand's Hunza - to harness this remarkable little lamp with a new range of specially designed outdoor lights.

The main consideration was to design lights with space to accommodate the electronic ballast required to operate the metal halide lamp. This meant that these garden lights are inevitably a little larger than spotlights using the traditional MR16 halogen lamp. So their chunky good looks might not have quite the unobtrusive elegance required in smaller courtyard-style gardens, but then they are probably too powerful for this kind of space.

Where metal halide outdoor lights come into their own is in larger gardens where their slightly bigger size doesn't jar and their high light output opens up new garden lighting possibilities. To give perhaps the most extreme example, Hunza's Twin Pole Light Metal Halide fitted with two 35 Watt lamps pumps out light equivalent to four 50 Watt standard halogen lamps - sufficient to highlight even the most substantial tree.

These new metal halide garden lights have other advantages, too. They produce a very clean, crisp, cool light with excellent colour rendition. They come in a choice of three beam widths, so they have the flexibility to be used for a variety of lighting effects. They have a long lamp life of between 10,000 and 12,000 hours - which is just as well, considering their cost. And they connect directly to the mains electricity supply with no need for a transformer.

Do metal halide garden lights have any downsides? One is that the 20 Watt and 35 Watt lamps require different ballasts, so if you buy a metal halide exterior light set up for the 20 Watt lamp, you can't upgrade to a 35 Watt lamp at a later date. Another is that they take a minute or two to reach full power and require a rest period between switching off and switching back on again, so they are not suitable for connecting to a movement sensor.

While it might be an exaggeration to say "the future's bright, the future's metal halide", there seems no doubt that this powerful little lamp is here to stay and destined to take its place beside halogen, fluorescent and LED technologies. In doing so, it gives customers a new outdoor lighting option to choose from that, uniquely, combines low energy with high light output.

Peter Reid is an author for http://engineeringwithlight.com/, Europe's online shop for Hunza outdoor and garden lighting

Many thanks for reading our Metal Halide article

Metal Halide is a post from: Tropical Fish