Metal Halide Q&A

Sorry this took so long all! i have been busy this past week...

20k is not only for looks only. and 6500k or 10k is not only for growth.
the number only specifies what color it will look like to the human eye. it is a product of all the spectrums emitted combined into one

yes. but what size tank?

one will be very hard to get full coverage. the edges would be dark, especially if your using legs.

 

It's a 52x28x24 acrylic tank.

 

that should be fine... I think the coverage will be good. some sps might not grow that fast on the bottom but should be okay still

 

Thx that's how I did my sup sps top and middle lps towards the bottom

 

wow I have been reading about lights for hours now and I feel like my head is going to explode. obviously im new to this and have no idea what im doing.

so far from what i understand MH lights appear to be the best for coral growth?

im setting up a 150g tall coral reef tank and im trying to figure out the lighting. but im getting no where besides frustrated.

will someone please tell me what kind of bulbs i need to run, how many watts, and how many K.

I want the best options for growth and if possible i'd like my tank to have a nice blue shimmer to it.


thanks a bunch
Josh

 

Hey Josh, here is what I can offer
I am not positive what the dimensions on a 150 tall are but you will most likely want to go with the 250w range of halides. I always suggest using quality reflectors such as lumenarc, lumenbrite, or lumenmax reflectors. Typically a reflector is very effective for about a 24" by 24" area so you might need two to cover the length of your tank.

As far as bulbs go, I am a major fan of radiums for that nice blue look as well as the great growth. Other good blue bulbs include Ushio 14k (ice blue) and 20k (a little bit more blue) and phoenix 14k (fairly blue).

If there is anything else, just ask!

 

thank you!!! that is exactly what I needed, someone to just tell me what I need to buy lol.

the 150 tall is 48x24wX31h

 

Man you are great at this! Here is what I have going on. I have 2 aquariums set up, a 125 and a 90. Over my 90 I have a 175 watt MH 10000k. the bulb is a cheap bulb the previous owner got on ebay and it puts really bad light out. I wouldnt be using it but he gave me 2 when I bought the light and I am pinching pennies. Its a mogul style bulb. I get lots of hair alge growth with it as well I assume because of the poor quality bulb. My anenome loves it though, and my other corals do fair under it. My other system, the 125 has only fish and a few mushrooms. I have a coralife vho system over that one. I am in the process of buying a 220 and plan to combine my systems into one. Can I use this metal halide? will it be powerful enough to use and get growth? How about my vho system? should I use it for the actinic bulbs? I need to make it work for a while until I can afford more, should I start with the bulb replacement on my mh and if so what one should I get? Or should I not spend the money on a bulb and put it towards a better lighting system? What if I bought another 175 watt mh to match what I have, would the 2 of them be enough.

 

Good news, I have a great solution for you!
One of my friends in my local reef club has one of the best tanks i have ever seen, he was actually TOTM a while ago: http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/congrats-rigleautomotive-99770.html

Anyways, he swears by VHO actinics paired with halides. On a 220 you will need two halides at least... If you choose to add the VHO's also it would be a good choice. Two of the 175w bulbs will be able to keep corals, however the SPS will be limited to only the top of the tank.
As for bulb choice I take it you want to stick with white... so I would suggest Ushio. Their bulbs are a little on the whiter side as compared to others like Radium and Phoenix. The 10k is verrry white (almost yellow) and the 14k is a nice ice white.

 

Do you run T5HO all day along with MH? Like me i have 2x250w MH on a 75gal and 4t5's my Blue plus come on at 7am then my blue special come on at 9am and then at 12pm my MH. My MH turn off 5hrs later so 5pm then my blue speical at 7pm and blue plus off at 8:30pm. Of course night LEDs from there.

But is that to much light on my tank?