Switching Over to MH [Update]

Well, I've been thinking and now may go with 2 x150w pendants verse the 2x250w fixture. I'm glad I'm taking my time on this as it's making me explore every possibility. I'm thinking 150w b/c of potential heat issues, a chiller is out of the question right now, and later on, in the next year or two my life will be very chaotic, so I don't think a larger tank will be in the works any time soon, maybe a 40 breeder or 65/75 gallon tank though. The 150w pendants will allow greater flexibility rather then a 36" or 48" fixture. Still got some thinking to do. BTW, I'm looking at some Geisssman pendants.

 

Who is 3reef's resident MH guru??

Tangster, Missionsix, Jason Mck, Otty, or anyone else with real time in the game????

 

Thanks for the shout out.

 

I personally would do 2 150s. have never heard of or seen a MH fixture catch fire... My colors are wonderful. I love my MH lighting, its the only lighting Ive had since ive been in the hobby.
i believe you should experiment with fixture height in order to figure out ur heating situation and never ever ever forget about our good ole friend evaporitive cooling. its hella cheaper then any chiller will ever be, so make sure your well ventilated with fans.
also remember that ambient temp plays alot in our tanks and hobby, so please be mindful of how cool you keep your house.
I have 3 250s and keep my house at like 75, tank temp is steady at 80 using a fan. and by the way id be interested in your fixture (T5)

 

I appreciate the advice. I am torn right now and really need to think what will be the best choice for me right now and in the future. I like the idea of 2 150w pendants, but I wouldn't have T5s as supplements (with the pendants I'm looking at), which to me isn't a huge deal.

 

suppliment is sooooooo over rated imo. Just get you a couple quality MH bulbs. I have all the color i could ever want
and if u wana look at it at night get a couple leds

 

could be wrong but I think its Dingo,as he calls him self a "metal halide bulb"....but the above are solid members to take advice from..

 

Funny im going the same route. had my tank set up for almost a year now and fed up with crappy colours and a not quit right feling about the t5s. got myself a 150w mh fitting for the anemone side of the tank and now looking to get 2 more 250w as the 150 still doesnt seem enough. corals are already looking better that side of the tank and funnily my lingering cyano problem vanished in a few days.

 

If you go with 20K, then you don't need supplementation.... but if you run your lights only 9 hours or 12 hours, then you can do the dusk dawn thing. I used my Halides like mid day Sun.

You could use a LED strip which is easier to incorporate for supplementation. For a 4 foot tank, I would go with 250s.

 

tagging along, now I'm thinking of 2 150w MH's for my 55g, thanks a lot (sarcasm)