Why Metal Halide Lighting for my Reef Aquarium?

Why Metal Halide for your Reef Aquarium?
Metal Halide lighting is a special type of lighting called HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting, that is much more intense than any other lamp available. Metal Halide has become the number one choice for experienced reef keeping aquarist for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the energy efficiency. HID Lighting does a much better job at converting electricity into light available for photosynthesis. This means happier tanks, faster growth and better coloration. Metal Halide is also known for the brilliant nature-like shimmer it spreads over the surfaces in the tank. Metal Halide is chosen above all else for its high output and it visually stunning spectrum.

A complete metal halide aquarium light kit consists of a ballast, reflector and light bulb (pictured above). You can purchase either complete aquarium light systems that include everything you need or select your ballast, reflector and bulb separately. We carry a wide selection of Metal Halide ballasts, Reflectors and Lamps to accommodate all size tanks, from the smallest tanks, to the largest public aquarium displays.

HQI Metal Halides
HQI double ended bulbs have been used in Europe for many years and are gaining popularity in the U.S. HQI metal halide bulbs offer a more clean color spectrum, are more efficient and last longer than standard metal halide lamps. HQI bulbs require HQI ballasts to run and UV filters to prevent UV damage to corals. Click here for complete HQI aquarium systems.

Pulse Start Ballasts
Pulse start ballasts are needed to fire up certain German bulbs: 175W and 400W Ushio 10,000K, and both 250W and 400W Radium 20,000Ks. The standard magnetic ballast will not properly ignite these bulbs. The Pulse-start metal halide ballasts provide a higher starting voltage and igniter designed specifically to ignite pulse-start lamps. The igniter starts the lamp and the ballasts' core and coil operates the lamp, allowing for optimization of both lamp and ballast performance.

How often should I change my Metal Halide bulb?
Metal halide bulbs should be replaced after 8-10 months of use or after 3000 hours of use. Although the lamp will continue to light beyond this they will have lost up to 30 percent or more of their lumen output while consuming the same amount of electricity.

Should I Supplement Metal Halides with Fluorescents?
If you are using a 10,000K Metal Halide bulb or higher supplementation is usually not necessary. However to achieve the best colors from fish and corals the way they would appear in the ocean you could supplement based on these guidelines: