Lighting upgrade

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by bluetang08, Nov 23, 2009.

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  1. bluetang08

    bluetang08 Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2009
    Messages:
    490
    Ok this is my plan for my light upgrade please add input I want to do this right the second time(haha). Anyway I found these Hamilton MH retros at saltycritters.com I plan on three 175w MH running 14K lights. To supplement acnitic I plan on two 36" Nova Extreme T5 HO flourescents they are 78w each I would prob run one bulb 420m and the other 460m on each fixture. Any comments? Will this be sufficient for any coral (LPS, SPS, clams) that I may want to add in the future? How much additional heat should I plan on with the MHs? I have a canopy that is open in the back but I have thought about cutting out the sides and adding some kind of a matching mesh to allow better airflow. Please any input is appreciated.
     
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  3. lillys Grandad

    lillys Grandad Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2008
    Messages:
    2,074
    Location:
    Rio Linda, California
    The MH's will add heat..depending on the unique environmental factors you have..could be a couple of degrees for sure..as well as evap. Intake fan on one end of canopy will help...but fans increase evap. of tank water as well..but with 125 gallon system, I would say that your new lighting plans look great..dont see any issues for coral growth...but what about the 420m and the 460m? what benefit would this be?..just curious.....also,might be time for a chiller....I know I "lighted" myself into that corner. : ) lol
    Good luck.
    LG
     
  4. bluetang08

    bluetang08 Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2009
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    Im not real familiar in the acnitic area so I assumed with 420m and 460m I would have the best of both worlds, am I mislead in this assumption?