Metal Halide options for a Biocube 29G

I was thinking of putting some metal halides on my Biocube 29G. Was thinking of going without a top and I have been looking at the Aqualight Advanced Series HQI Metal Halide Fixture. It says it's for use in covered aquariums only but my friend (a more experienced reefer) told me that he thinks it would work without a cover - provided that it has UV glass covering the font of the bulb. So I'm trying to do my research up on it.

Are there other options I should consider for halides or does anyone have any experience with this fixture without a cover? I'd rather not have a hanging fixture but open to other ideas. I'm still trying to find out if it is UV protected and emailed LiveAquaria but figured I would ask around as well.

 

From what I have read it will likely burn the coral from what it says in threads in other forums and Foster and Smiths emailed me back saying the glass lens cover is not UV protected.

It will probably be a while until I upgrade anyway but just found this and thinking it might be the way to go:

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I may be wrong, but I thought you only had to really worry it with SE (single ended) bulbs. Maybe I have it backwards. Look at the viper fixtures, they are very similar to what you were looking at.

Aquarium Lighting for Nano Reef Aquariums: Viper HQI Metal Halide Clamp Lamp

I think I like the Current fixture better, but I have never had one.

 

no you got it backwards..its the double ended hqi bulbs that need uv shield

 

i think either of those will be fine...the first fixture is a marine fixture..the picture even has it on an open tank

 

I just added a MH fixture..Its a Current Outer Orbit..It runs like 430 bucks, i have a 150w version and 4 T5HO supplement and 12 LED's(6 white, 6 blue)

Its great, here is a link to the pics of the difference.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/got-my-new-lights-pics-105666-2.html

 

I believe Nanotuners has halide retros. I don't ethnic they have a 250 though just 75 and 150.

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It is imperative that you use a glass cover for a double end (DE) metal halide bulb. Otherwise, it'll be almost instant death to your corals and inhabitant.

 

Wow! Thanks for the responses! Yea, glad I didn't jump the gun and buy that light. I'm going to check out those other lights you guys mentioned when I'm not at work.. Sneaky, sneaky fish forum surfing at work! 8)