Metal halide

Hi Everyone,

I found an amazing deal on metal halide fixtures and bulbs but if I buy this fixture in 2012 steering away from LED am I just shooting myself in the foot? I know their is more options at a less cost but I have questions.

Tank:

90 Gallon 48" wide

Questions:

1: with the current trends do people think I can get longevity with metal halide fixtures and bulbs?

2: How often would I expect to have to change the bulbs?

3: Are SPS possible?

 

My SPS are getting awesome growth with my MH light. I guess with all things it depends how much use they get, my MH is only on for 5 to 6 hours a day. Some days I don't turn it on at all and just use the T5's HO lights. The only thing I don't like about the MH light is it gets very hot.

 

Metal halide is still far from obsolete, as is T5HO. With good reflectors and bulbs, you can grow anything you want. However, with a tank that size, and being in the market for a new light fixture, you might want to consider LED, instead. Taotronics and ReefBreeders units are getting good reviews.

 

more information on the amazing deal would be good

all MH set ups are not created equally, as such knowing the lamps, ballasts and reflectors involved would certainly be useful information

but if they are decent quality lamps, ballasts and reflectors, SPS corals are more than possible

changing lamps - depending again on quality 9 - 12 months is often suggested , due to loss of colour temp etc the older the lamps get

Steve