• Selection of MG.

  • Laura3615

Hello everyone! Can Osram MH lamps, like HQI-TS xx/D, be used for reef lighting, or are there any other options? Or do I need to use super high-end lamps from Aquamedic and similar brands? By "reef," I mean a complete absence of fish, just corals. Also, is a protein skimmer necessary for such an aquarium? Thank you in advance.

Nicole

You can use Osram MH lamps, but they burn out in 5-6 months, while Aquamedic ones last 10-11 months, but they are twice as expensive, though you need to change them less often, but they are more expensive...

Melissa1838

A penlight for the reef is definitely needed - the more powerful, the better. And it's better to buy the MH lamps from Sylvania - the price is reasonable (150 watts - 40 USD), and the lifespan is good too...

Daniel4967

Regarding the "pen" I must disagree. With excessive power, it will not only take away the organic matter but also all the microelements, etc.

Christopher8654

The elements will be added to the system by using a calcium reactor with at least partially coral gravel as a filler. And in a powerful foam maker, there are more advantages than disadvantages, so... However, it's a personal matter for everyone how to design the system.

Christopher1252

I am not talking about calcium, but about trace elements (strontium, iodine, etc.), without which the existence of the "reef" is impossible.

Amber9312

I'm not talking about calcium either. Calcium from the aquamedic filler in the form of white granules is enough, but when dissolving coral rubble in the reactor, everything that these corals pulled into their skeleton (not just calcium) will go into your system. By the way, besides water changes and calcium, those advanced American reefers don't add much to the system (well, definitely not strontium), and buying potassium iodide at the pharmacy is not a problem (again, if there are concerns about its deficiency).

Christopher1252

I'm sorry, but unfortunately, you are mistaken. Browse through any publication on the topic of "elements in the aquarium." For God's sake, don't take offense; it's just that this topic is quite extensive, and discussing it here won't spark anyone's interest.

Andrea9320

After 7 PM, everyone to the updated website!!!

Ricky9405

All dynamics depend on the number of hydrobionts absorbing trace elements + skimmer + intense light and of course carbon. And in practice: polyps of the coral detach from the base - strontium is leached, sea stars died - I overfilled (just kidding).

Mitchell3177

Organic matter in the reef comes from invertebrates, which are also alive and have metabolism. Cells die, new ones grow, mucus, food for invertebrates, all together creates a significant load, not comparable to predators, but nonetheless... The spectrum... this is a very slippery question; 6500 is suitable for corals... but for what???? Photosynthesis in zooxanthellae occurs under the influence of falling photons of light, while the spectrum is another matter. As I mentioned, many brightly and diversely colored corals change their color to less attractive ones (brown, dirty green).

Joseph8592

I see, thank you for the clarification. I'm still a bit clueless about these matters. Then the last thing I want to know (on the topic) is whether it's possible to fit an MH from Aquamedic/Sylvania into a non-branded fixture with a similarly non-branded ballast? And if so, which one? Thank you!

Elizabeth882

In any that matches the specifications. If the wattage matches, it will light up any bulb. The only difference is in appearance, and sometimes, of course, in quality. Bulbs with a color temperature of 10,000 K are more expensive regardless of the manufacturer, which is related to the internal filling of the bulb.

Eric

Good day, Could you please let me know how the lighting issue was resolved?

John5528

for an aquarium depth of up to 55-60cm: JBL block for two T5 lamps 130 euros two T5 lamps Solar Ultra in Day + Solar Ultra in Blue 46 euros two reflectors 15 euros. total - 191 euros. it could have been cheaper (by 30-40%) using Osram/Sylvania lamps that's all. 240l aquarium. water column 50-52cm.

Cheyenne2747

Thank you for the information. I have more social options with the lamps. I would still ask for information specifically about MG.

Sherri1320

Good The question has been resolved... by postponing the idea of a reef indefinitely. I can't afford it financially at the moment... In the meantime, while searching, I found Brilux lights that will fit perfectly with lamps from Sylvania/Aquamedic/etc. 70-400W. It will look somewhat... unesthetic. But as has been mentioned somewhere, just cover it with a cloth and be happy. Oh, right. They cost between 200 and 400, depending on the required power. And no fluorescent lights if the idea is specifically about a reef. Only MH.

Chad

Thank you for your response. It's a pity that the launch has been postponed... Our prices are the same as well.