I have a few questions of mostly academic interest about some high powered lighting systems.
1: Why can't you use standard 175 watt mercury vapor lamps in concert with compact flourescent lamps for reef lighting? I was just wondering because they cost about $25 for a ballast and bulb, and $8 for a replacement bulb.
2: Are the 70 watt metal halides they sell at Lowes suitable for reef lighting with the ballast moved into a custom fixture (Cost around $65, manuf. by Reagent)
3: Is there any PRACTICAL way to spread the light from a single halide lamp across the width of a 55 gallon aquarium without elevating it greatly (since the power compact fixture prevents this)?
4: And just what is the difference between a metal halide ballast and other HID ballasts (Mercury or sodium)?
As I said these are mostly curiousity questions. Thanks.
1: Why can't you use standard 175 watt mercury vapor lamps in concert with compact flourescent lamps for reef lighting? I was just wondering because they cost about $25 for a ballast and bulb, and $8 for a replacement bulb.
2: Are the 70 watt metal halides they sell at Lowes suitable for reef lighting with the ballast moved into a custom fixture (Cost around $65, manuf. by Reagent)
3: Is there any PRACTICAL way to spread the light from a single halide lamp across the width of a 55 gallon aquarium without elevating it greatly (since the power compact fixture prevents this)?
4: And just what is the difference between a metal halide ballast and other HID ballasts (Mercury or sodium)?
As I said these are mostly curiousity questions. Thanks.
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