Help! If you know about Metal Halides!

Would two 250W metal halides be too much light for a 46gallon bowfront?? The tank is not up and running yet, but I will be keeping a varity of corals and want light for anything, no limits! Also, will I need any supplement lighting with metal halides?? Thanks!

 

I would think a single 400w or even 600w metal halide might be better for you size wise..

 

I think that would be way too much.. Two 150s would even be some serious light.

 

i thnk two 150s woud be better. or one 250. not both. there would be major temp swings, and a lot of money on the power bill.

 

I'm assuming your tank has a center brace, so I would stay away from single bulb units. Two 250's would give you the ability to grow anything anywhere in the tank, but it also might make it hard to grow some of the lower light softies. Two 150's would probably be the best balance. I would supplement with a couple of T5's to give you some more color options.

 

If it has doesn't have a brace I think one 250 in the middle would be fine, just put lower light corals to the outside of its range. If brace go with two 150's.
you don't need supplemental lighting but halides won't make your corals "pop" like actinics. poping doesn't really have to do with health just color.

I don't think 2 250 would be good, 10 wpg is way to much with halides.

 

Thanks so much for your replies. It does have the brace and I will look into the two 150's.

 

Yeah, 2x150 would be a much better fit for a tank that size.

 

I ran 2 x 175W halide and 4 x 39W T5 on my 45. I was able to grow SPS down to the mid-low levels of the tank. Not quite the sand. This was with a cheap hamilton reflector. With better reflectors, SPS on the sand is definitely in reach.

 

Are you looking for a fixture or a pendant or a retro fit kit?