I Found Some Metal Halides

[Lynden]

I was browsing at a Home Depot store today, and asked if they had power compact kits, halogen halides, and metal halides. Although i was very impressed he knew what I was talking about (most electrician stores dont have a clue what any of what those those lights even are) they lacked power compacts, and the ballasts for the Metal and Halogen halides. But he then showed me some 180 and 400 watt metal halide bulbs. To my suprise, they were a mere $30 and $40! I went to Big Al's a while ago, they had metal halides on sale for 700 dollars each!

I would like to know, what is the colour temperature (kelvin) of a metal halide? And for my 48'' 55 gallon, should I get a pair of the 180 watt ones, or the 400 watt ones? I would like to upgrade after I move into my new house, when I might be getting a 150 gallon reef.

Thanks in advance,

-Lynden

 

[Navarre]

My halides are lowbays and cost a fraction of aquarium halides lights.

The colour temperature needs to be anywhere from 6.5k - 20k However I think you will find 10k bulbs to be the most popular. The higher up the spectrum you go then the bluer they get.