Metal halide 70 gallon tall recomendation

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by D2reef1, Oct 4, 2011.

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  1. D2reef1

    D2reef1 Plankton

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    Hello, I just bought my new 70 gallon reef tank and need help with deciding on the right metal halide plus quantity. Ive read 250 w but is one enough when the tank is 36'' wide and 30'' in deep?
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    D2reef1, Oct 4, 2011
    D2reef1, Oct 4, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    250W MH are good for tanks to 24" deep. You will need 2 400W MH to get depth penetration and spread. Or you could go with 4X39W T5HO using a Tek Elite or ATI fixture. LED would also be good.
     
    2in10, Oct 4, 2011
    2in10, Oct 4, 2011
    #2
  3. sucker_fish

    sucker_fish Astrea Snail

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    what they said...plus depends on what you plan on keeping in your tank
     
    sucker_fish, Oct 4, 2011
    sucker_fish, Oct 4, 2011
    #3
  4. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    I wouldn't try T5. In my experience, I've found that 250 halides penetrate deeper than T5 by far. I agree though that 250s are really going to limit what you can grow at the bottom.
     
    mikejrice, Oct 4, 2011
    mikejrice, Oct 4, 2011
    #4
  5. D2reef1

    D2reef1 Plankton

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    Thanks for the input. It sounds like I will go with two metal halide lights either 250 w or 400 w. My tank has a canopy I am retrofitting to be 11 in tall to provide proper cooling area for my four computerized fans built into the hood. What is the recomended distance for metal halides to the water surface?
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2011
    D2reef1, Oct 4, 2011
    D2reef1, Oct 4, 2011
    #5