jpreefer Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 So one of my friends has a 400 watt metal halide light that he bought from texas hydroponics and I'm not using it anymore and I was wondering if I could use that for my 58 gallon reef tank. And what are the downfalls with using a light like this one? I'm just trying to save some money by not buying a whole new metal halide setup. thanks for input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishypets Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 (edited) So what was "your friend" growing with it before? Edited April 16, 2009 by fishypets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpreefer Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 So what was "your friend" growing with it before? lol tomatoes\ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpreefer Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 but really.. Does anybody know if I can use that 400 watt light for a 58 gallon reef tank. Will it be too hott or will it be perfect for corals. anyyyyy input would be nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishypets Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I'm no expert in this field but I'm sure someone will chime in sooner or later. But to me a 400W bulb is a 400W bulb no matter how you slice it. I'd make sure and use a reef bulb vs. a grow bulb so your colors will be pleasing to the eye. I think a grow bulb would be in the 5500K range and you'd want something from 10000k to 20000k. Some bulbs require a special HQI ballast to fire so make sure what you order will work with the ballast/mogul and you should be good. But like I say I'm no expert, only assuming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medi Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Tomatoes......suuure....Anyway I agree as long as you use a reefbulb I couldn't see why this wouldn't work. Just make sure the bulb is compatible with your ballast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caferacermike Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Yes it's all the same stuff, and yes I know people that use 2x 400w on 90g tanks so you will be fine as long as you watch it and make adjustments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishypets Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Mike, You ever grow any "tomatoes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpreefer Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 once upon a time.. but this isn't a tomatoe forum so lets not go there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzobob Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 once upon a time.. but this isn't a tomatoe forum so lets not go there I may be wrong but if this is a double ended bulb system won't UV protection be needed? (Not sure if this would have been needed for 'tomatoes') Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooks Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 S'all the same. Just get the right K rating that you want. And I don't think I get what these "tomatoes" are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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