Calling all MH people!

Ok guys, I'm in a real dilema. As some of you know, I will be upgrading my lighting in the future and want to lock down on the setup I will be going with to prevent me buying a setup I will later regret due to not thinking it out thoroughly.

I want MH, badly. Now the canopy I have can accept one, but the MH will sit only 3 inches from the water surface. That's a no no. So, if I want MH, I have to drop the canopy. My next option is pendant or topless MH + PC setup.

I have been looking into the Hamilton ReefSun MH pendant. If I go 250w on the halide, the MH will be sufficient for lighting my complete tank. And if I go 20K on the bulb, I wont need actinic, right? My question is, will the 20K bring out colors nicely? I think I have seen 20K's before, and the corals looked nice. You guys think I may still need actinic supp.?

What are the negs and pos's of this setup?

Now, how about the topless setup? Any good brands that are under $250? Which is better, pendant or topless enclosed unit supplying MH + PC combo.

 

BUMP!

 

Why do you have to drop the canopy? Look at the design of the canopy perhaps you can take the sides apart and add new taller ones to make the halides higher above the water. I built a new one with the help of my daughter. Check it out may give you some ideas for yours. As far as the bulbs I cant help you there when I bought mine it came with 10 k bulbs but really want to get the new XM bulbs 10K. They are really bright but they are white. http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/new-canopy-35425.html#post328809 Hope this helps some...

 

Mh

I just posted some pics of my hex. I have a 24 inch 250W MH 96W BluePC and 96W White PC

MH is 13-15K

Took the pics today with all the lights on. The older pics are w/o MH on.

Hope that gives you some idea.

 

chetrod, definetly an option but I tend to find tall canopy's well... ugly. My tank is gonna look like it has a big ass head. :-X

I on occassion open the front portion of my canopy and actually am starting to like the open top design. Humm...

I know an MH will be sufficient. Anyone else just running a metal halide?

Dador, that looks smokin' man. Halide is the way to go for beautiful lighting. I just like that shimmer.

 

No Kidding it is HUGE!8)

 

I pulled the top off my canopy and stil use the sides just hung the fixture over the top

 

I thought about mounting a fixture on top of the canopy, but it's gonna look funny.

Anyone running an MH only pendant??? C'mon guys! 250w MH w/ 20K Radium or XM would be good as complete lighting? I'm really just looking for a bluish crisp light. Anyone using the 20K MH? Does it bring out color?