Metal halide for my new frag set up!

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by norg., Jul 1, 2011.

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  1. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

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    Hey guys. Im looking into what Ill be using to light my first frag tank in my basement. The tank 6 1/2 ft long x 2 1/2 wide x 13 inches tall. There will only be about 11 or 12 inches of water in it though. Total that means the display tank is coming out to about 104 gallons. I was thinking about getting a Boost LED Mu135w to put over half of it (they have a sweet sale going on now). I was looking into a halide to cover the other side. Im doing this because I can change out the bulbs of the halide for the desired growth and color my frags up with the LEDs. Depending on how this goes I could then decide on what I want to keep using for the rest of my set up. The problem is Ive never used metal halides before... I know the brand names, but am unsure of what to look into purchasing. Any ideas guys? Thanks in advance.



    EDIT
    http://www.marineandreef.com/ReefStar_Metal_Halide_Pendants_1X400W_14K_Hamilton_p/rhta1e8.htm

    Is 400 watts overkill?
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2011
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    150 watts is fine for your water depth
     
    2in10, Jul 1, 2011
    2in10, Jul 1, 2011
    #2
  3. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

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    Really? Im looking to light around half of the tank. Ill be supplementing with DIY cree LEDs as needed but I figured I needed more light. Ill be keeping alot of sps so I was figuring atleast 250 watts. lol maybe Im just totally off. And that is possible. ::)
     
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
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  4. grinder37

    grinder37 Whip-Lash Squid

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    Wish i could help,but i'm just a t5 guy,lol.However the dimentions of this tank being such a low boy sounds really cool.when do we get a pic?;)
     
    grinder37, Jul 1, 2011
    grinder37, Jul 1, 2011
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  5. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

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    As soon as its built! Me and a fellow 3reefer are building it. The wood for the stand is all painted up and I plan on building it this weekend but Ive been waiting for the big reveal. Lol Im turning the majority of my basement into a mini ocean. Really excited. As soon as there is something worthy of taking a picture Ill take some. We just epoxy coated some walls for decorative and health reasons. I could probably post some of those. :p If you are interested I mean.
     
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
    #5
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You are looking at penetration not spread. The spread is the same regardless of wattage. 150W MH are good to 15" to 18", 250W to 24".
     
    2in10, Jul 1, 2011
    2in10, Jul 1, 2011
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  7. grinder37

    grinder37 Whip-Lash Squid

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    No,i don't have to see a pic of your epoxy coated walls,lol.But i'll be keeping an eye out for a build thread.Sounds like a great/fun project!;)
     
    grinder37, Jul 1, 2011
    grinder37, Jul 1, 2011
    #7
  8. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

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    So going for anything over 150 could be detrimental to the coral's health? Just making sure I buy the right thing.

    Haha. Well it will be a picture loaded thread. Thats for sure. We are actually planning on starting up a website for this system.
     
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
    norg., Jul 1, 2011
    #8