Metal Halide Q&A

When I first put them in, being I run the actinics 11hrs. I had 2 purple bulbs in there. It was just WAY to purple to look at. So I put 1 blue and 1 purple. It still is pretty purple, but nice to look at. As far as the difference in the green colors popping. I did not see a real big difference with 2 purple, or 1 of each.

 

I believe Dingo runs the same way...1 Blue and 1 Purple. BTW the purple seems to make the greens pop a little better than the blue.

 

Here is a pic during the build so you can see how they are set up

 

well bradjo, looks like rob really answered most of your questions haha!

but if your doing 14k I would recommend Ushio, great growth.
And as Robman said, the actinics do bring out a lot of colors, mostly green, orange, and occasionally a red or purple.
The different wavelengths from the purple and the blue lights determine what color will be reflected by the coral. if your interested in the technical info just let me know and ill send you some links

 

I have a standard 90 gallon that is 48"x18"x24" I am thinking of setting up with MH lighting. I also have an icecap 660 that will be either running a few t5 bulbs or some VHO's as suppliment. I was thinking of 2 250w lights. Will this be enough tank coverage and what reflectors, ballasts, and bulbs would you recommend. I like a tank with a blue look but would also like good growth for a mainley sps dominated tank.

 

Two will be enough. If you want the bluer look but still decent coral growth, go with a phoenix 14k on an icecap or lumatek ballast. Do you have a canopy or do you want to just run then above your tank with some reflectors?

 

I have a canopy. It is a standard AGA canopy the top is about 10 inches from the water. What reflectors would you recommend?

 

well with only 10 inches it is tricky... im pretty firm on buying lumenbrite or lumenmax reflectors but that is not a lot of distance there for one. The reflectors truthfully are verrry important for not losing a lot of light and for actually getting it into your tank

 

How far above the water would you recommend I need to place the reflector to keep the heat down and to prevent splashing on the bulb. My other tank is lit with LEDS so I have never really had to worry about heat or height above the water.

 

the height of the reflectors is 9" so it will be tight to fit in the canopy. that will also give a lot of heat down into the water so you will have to get a lot of air-flow across the surface.

What LED's do you have on your other tank and why are you moving from led to MH? were you not happy with the LED?