Just upgraded to MH

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by bobssecrtsn, Dec 12, 2012.

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  1. bobssecrtsn

    bobssecrtsn Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2011
    Messages:
    518
    Hey guys, i just upgraded my fixture from a 6bulb t5 that was about 6 inches from the water lines to a 250w radium bulb. i have it set to 8-10 inches above the water line, but the problem is i have no supplimental lighting, im planning to attach some ecoexotic LEDS to the sides but thats my future,

    the ballast is from CoralVue and
    my question is how long should i leave my mh on for?
    how high should i move it

    this was my schedule for my t5 setup
    11:30-8:30 2bulbs b+
    12:30-7:30 +2 more bulbs b+and purple +
    2-5 2Coral+

    heres the setup and the fixture..also this tank is mainly sps on top, and lps on the sand bed!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    May 30, 2008
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    3,677
    My MH is on for about 10 hrs per day. IMO, that is too long but that is what I do. Honestly, I don't think you have that much more light than you did with the T5 setup. It looks a lot different but I don't think there will be that much difference in the par. Those radium bulbs are beautiful though, huh?
     
  4. bobssecrtsn

    bobssecrtsn Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2011
    Messages:
    518
    yes they are a beauty.. i have it set to 5 hours and staying there for 3 days then adding a hour each day till i reach 8 hours
     
  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    Sep 8, 2010
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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Congrats, MH rocks.

    I would start with 6 hours for the 1st week, that is what I do and sometimes I still kill a piece or two.

    That is A LOT over that tank, pretty sure you will like the results.
     
  6. Tom Owens

    Tom Owens Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2007
    Messages:
    47
    Location:
    Suwanee, Georgia
    250 watts over that little tank is a LOT. Frankly, I'd lift that puppy up another few inches to be on the safe side.
     
  7. SeymourDuncan

    SeymourDuncan Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2012
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    79
    Location:
    La Melonia, Az
    I use a 4 hundo on a 75 but it was literally 2 feet above the water. Still grew diatoms like no other. Corals grew like weeds though! 6500k bulbs are all I use for halide with actinic supplement to whiten it up.
     
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  9. bobssecrtsn

    bobssecrtsn Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2011
    Messages:
    518
    im already loving the shimmer, im planning to add some reefbrite tech leds for suppliments and leaving these on for my viewing purposes