Bought a Giesemann Spectra, now what. Some advice please

[SaracensRugby]

Ok: setting up a tank that is 84x36widex24high. Got a great deal on a 72" Spectra from a guy getting out of the hobby, with a couple Kessils plumbed into the unit. But, I am coming from T5 and LED before that, so MH is new to me (and with T5 in there to boot). I got 3 Luxcore Electronic ballasts to drive the light.

So, I know this can be personal opinion, but have three questions:

1. what is a good MH bulb selection to use with this setup? I see the Hamilton 20k's get good reviews and are a fair price.
2. Do I go three of the same MH bulb?
3. How much will the T5 bulbs impact the overall color, and what bulbs do you go with there given the MH bulbs?

Cheers.

 

[Bpb]

How blue do you like your tank?

 

[SaracensRugby]

How blue do you like your tank?

Somewhere between 14-20k. Closer to 20k is good.

 

[Bpb]

I’d go with 20k Hamilton’s then. They look great. Far as the t5 goes. The difference when the halides are on will be subtle. Probably an even mix of blue+ and true actinic would work well.

 

[SaracensRugby]

Ok awesome. That's what I was thinking on the T5s, so that helps round it out. Thanks!

 

[A. grandis]

Ok: setting up a tank that is 84x36widex24high. Got a great deal on a 72" Spectra from a guy getting out of the hobby, with a couple Kessils plumbed into the unit. But, I am coming from T5 and LED before that, so MH is new to me (and with T5 in there to boot). I got 3 Luxcore Electronic ballasts to drive the light.

So, I know this can be personal opinion, but have three questions:

1. what is a good MH bulb selection to use with this setup? I see the Hamilton 20k's get good reviews and are a fair price.
2. Do I go three of the same MH bulb?
3. How much will the T5 bulbs impact the overall color, and what bulbs do you go with there given the MH bulbs?

Cheers.

1. Yes, Hamilton 20K is great. You can use electronic ballasts with the Hamilton bulbs.
2. Yes, normally.
3. Nice blanket. You can use 4 X ATI Blue Plus bulbs, or 2 X ATI Blue Plus bulbs and 2 X ATI True Actinic bulbs.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Phoenix 14k + giessman super purple or ATI coral +
Bulbs.
D

 

[LordofCinder]

I use Phoenix bulbs, only because thats all I can easily get in Canada, and 14k bulbs cause it gives a brighter sun shiny look that I like.

 

[SaracensRugby]

Thanks all, very helpful!

 

[Bpb]

Phoenix bulbs are only DE. The spectra is a mogul fixture, guys