light building help

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by bearclaw, Jan 1, 2012.

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

  1. bearclaw

    bearclaw Plankton

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2011
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Erie,pa
    we are about to build a tank size 72"L 18"W 24" T around 135gl. would 3 double ended 100w mh bulbs be to much along with 4 t5's? if not what size blast would work for running all 3 mhs?
     
    bearclaw, Jan 1, 2012
    bearclaw, Jan 1, 2012
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. NanoMano

    NanoMano Gigas Clam

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2011
    Messages:
    864
    I personally wouldnt do Metal Halides. They will kill you on your electric bill. Go LED IMO
     
    NanoMano, Jan 1, 2012
    NanoMano, Jan 1, 2012
    #2
  3. bearclaw

    bearclaw Plankton

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2011
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Erie,pa
    led lights are that bright for a reef? 12volt led bulbs?
     
    bearclaw, Jan 2, 2012
    bearclaw, Jan 2, 2012
    #3
  4. coylee_17

    coylee_17 Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2008
    Messages:
    1,337
    Location:
    Peterborough, Ontario, Can
    Check out RapidLED or Boost led. They have what you would need to build an LED light for your tank. They are much more energy efficient, and there is no bulbs (added cost) to change out every 6 months (t5's) to a year (mh). Also if you do a search on here, there are tons of LED build threads.
     
    coylee_17, Jan 2, 2012
    coylee_17, Jan 2, 2012
    #4
  5. bearclaw

    bearclaw Plankton

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2011
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Erie,pa
    cool thanks i looked it up.
     
    bearclaw, Jan 5, 2012
    bearclaw, Jan 5, 2012
    #5
  6. tom.n.day

    tom.n.day Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    May 17, 2011
    Messages:
    1,276
    Plus one on the LEDs. Also, better color choices and probably cheaper in the long haul
     
    tom.n.day, Jan 6, 2012
    tom.n.day, Jan 6, 2012
    #6