Metal halide lamps are more popular choices for aquarium lighting compared to incandescent lamps. Metal halide lamps can produce really intense and strong light that is five times as bright as the light produced by incandescent ones. Metal halide lamps can also reach deeper than other kinds of lamps. But in spite of their power and intensity, metal halide lamps come in compact sizes so they`re perfect for the
smaller aquariums.
Metal halide lamps also last for long time. They have a life that spans anywhere between 15,000 to 20,000 hours, which is ten times as long as incandescent lamps that last between 1,500 to 2,000 hours only.
If you`re already convinced to get metal halide lighting for your aquarium, it`s best to go for the 15-Watt 15000K Metal Halide Bulb - XM from
Pet Store. This double-ended lamp gives off a bright white light with just the right tinge of blue. The blue tint complements fish`s and corals` natural pigmentation more than any other hue.
The 15-Watt 15000K Metal Halide Bulb - XM works well with either an electronic ballast or metal halide ballast, which makes it very versatile. It can also be used with actinic lamps if you want a stronger blue tint.
The XM 150W double-ended metal halide bulb offers good coloration and intensity. The color is between an 10,000K bulb and a 20,000K bulb: white with a distinct blue tint. This bulb will work with standard magnetic ballast, magnetic pulse-start ballast, magnetic HQI ballast or elextronic IceCap ballasts. An excellent choice for nano-reefs and other reef tanks up to 22" deep.
- 15,000K Color Temperature
- Excellent with or without actinic supplementation
- Operate on a HQI metal halide ballast or electronic ballast
Common questions/problems concerning metal halide lamps:- Metal halide lamps of the same kind are different colors?
Metal halide lamps operate by passing an electric arc through an arc tube that excites particles in the arc tube. When the metal particles reach an excited state they emit energy in the form of visible light. It takes 100 hours of operation before the metal particles stabilize and become a consistent color. All metal halides require 100 hours of operation before color and light output stabilize. All metal halides inherently have a slight color variation between individual lamps. - The metal halide lamp fires and then either burns dull or the arc extinguishes?
Usually the ballast and lamp are not receiving enough power. Metal halides pull a high current. Usually the problem is either there is too great a load on the circuit or the extension cords are of a small wire size and can`t handle the power needed by the ballast. Use only heavy duty extension cords and try running a ballast
off a circuit from another part of the house. - Do I need a cover shield between the lamp and the aquarium?
Metal halide lamps produce a large amount of UV and also have a potential of exploding. The single ended metal halide lamps have an outer jacket which eliminates most of the UV. However, they have an inherent risk of exploding and UL requires metal halide lamps to be enclosed. On double ended lamps there is no UV shield. Double ended lamps must have a glass shield or major eye injuries including blindness may occur. - Can I operate a ballast and lamp together which are designed for different wattages?
Each wattage lamp and ballast are designed together for optimal performance and safety. If you over drive the lamp it may explode and shorten the life of the ballast and lamps. If you under drive the lamp it will also shorten the life of both components and also may explode. Do not mix different type wattages of lamps and ballasts.
NOTE: The bulb should be handled carefully during installation and replacement.
