i need an estimate!(MH upgrade)

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by Va Reef, May 1, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    finally been saving up some money, about 150$ (thats alot for me for no job, so dont laugh :p) and ive been wanting to do an upgrade from PC's to MH. its a biocube 8 gal. any ideas on what im looking at for a price, and which would be better, and how do i take the top off of the biocube. thanks!
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2011
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Messages:
    2,326
    Location:
    denver
    i think hqi fixtures range about 200-300 dollars i think you could probably only find a used fixture in your price range and definately not led they cost a pretty penny
     
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
    #2
  3. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    oh its not even summer yet, i could get easily get about 500$, and thats without a job. any idea where i could get one? would it be easy to get my LFS to ship one into me? and could i get a clam and acros under that lighting?
     
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    #3
  4. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Messages:
    2,326
    Location:
    denver
    it will grow anything in that tiny tank, i would look on craigslist or something there are great deals on that site.
     
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
    #4
  5. barbianj

    barbianj Hammer Head Shark

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    Messages:
    2,634
    Location:
    Port Washington, WI
    I don't have a tank that small, so maybe I'm missing something, but why not run a PAR38 LED bulb over it? You're looking at $100 plus a fixture to hold it.
     
    barbianj, May 1, 2011
    barbianj, May 1, 2011
    #5
  6. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    ok how much wattage?
     
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,720
    Location:
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    I agree, this is probably the best choice if you want to go with LED's. The MH would probably put a lot of heat into that small of a tank and cost more in electricity to run. Check out Boostled or Rapid led
     
    skurious, May 1, 2011
    skurious, May 1, 2011
    #7
  8. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    im changing my mind on the LED's the LFS said they dont stock them, because they have no warranties. as far as MH goes, does any of these look good?Reef Aquarium Metal Halide and HQI Lighting - Pendants: Aquatic Connection
     
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    #8
  9. kss2801

    kss2801 Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2009
    Messages:
    1,035
    Location:
    Trinidad, West Indies
    You can buy the PAR bulbs directly from the website. I'm not sure about the warranty thing though. I have 4 and they work great. I've never heard anyone complain about them not working either.
     
    kss2801, May 1, 2011
    kss2801, May 1, 2011
    #9
  10. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    i know but i'd rather just have my LFS get them in so they can show me everything to help. and i did some searches between MH and LED and i really like the looks of MH. which would be better? 10K, 14K, or 20K?
     
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    Va Reef, May 1, 2011
    #10
Page 1 of 4