Metal Halide

[tylers]

My tank is 790 litres and I am thinking about upgrading my lighting unit.


I inject Co2 and have dry ferts. Would something like a GIESEMANN "INFINITY" triple 150 watt metal halide & four 80 watt T5 1800MM unit, be too much for my tank?

[MSG]

• What type of tank do you have?
  
• Do you have any current photos of your setup?

I have a Current brand metal halide fixture for a former nano reef setup.

I was going to use it for my freshwater live plants until I was notified it would be only grow algae.

The person who mentioned this very knowledgeable so I'm not going bother trying something she advised was a silly idea. I've never used the fixture before.

Feel free to to correct me if that's incorrect information.

If I do use the metal h fixture, it'll only be used for creating additional light when I'm taking photographs of the tank.

[tylers]

Sorry pic is so small can't find original. Metal halide will create lots of algae?

[MSG]

I was told it would only grow algae if it's used for freshwater.

What kind of lighting are you using now?

When I brought up the idea of the Metal H fixture that's what they told me. It was 1am or something, so I just took their word since they're right most of the time.

I think your 100+ gallon looks really good. However, several reddish purple plants would be a very nice but simple addition to your tank to create more vibrancy. Other than that I would leave it alone.

Check back in a few hours and I'm someone who's actually had experience using those lights will give you their input.

I already told you all I know but I'll be following this thread to see what others have to say.

[Kathyy]

I had 3 150 watt metal halides high over an 8' tank and have 2 over the current 6' tank. Works fine but it is a huge amount of light. You likely would be using the T5s for the full day and the MH for a couple hours in the middle of the day. The Anubias and swords don't really need the super powered light but that fixture is really really nice - I would love to have one.

[tylers]

Thank you. Am I asking for major algae problems as it works out at about 770 watts

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by tylers

Thank you. Am I asking for major algae problems as it works out at about 770 watts

Keep in mind that watts is not a good indication of how much light you actually have (anymore) due to the increased efficiency of light bulbs nowadays.

In any case, using metal halides could be too much light; as mentioned, it depends on many factors.

However, it is possible, but you will have to keep up with CO2 and fertilization, or else things could get out of control very quickly.

[mrkookm]

Originally Posted by tylers

My tank is 790 litres and I am thinking about upgrading my lighting unit.


I inject Co2 and have dry ferts. Would something like a GIESEMANN "INFINITY" triple 150 watt metal halide & four 80 watt T5 1800MM unit, be too much for my tank?

IMO those HQI's aren't nearly as intense as the mogul based 175watt units and IMO has the perfect intensity as far as halides are concerned for our use (I've used higher wattage halides before). I was even considering 2 x 15watt Hqi's for my new build but from a light coverage & efficiency standpoint I chose the T5 route for what I'm trying to accomplish.

You have a big tank with low light plants, so if you choose to get it then mount it higher to reduce the intensity as needed.

With regards to the Algae, know that it occurs when following does not match the intensity any lighting being used, i.e., poor water & Co2 circulation, ineffective nutrient routines, maintenance routines & poor water quality. All of which affects plant health causing algae to take hold. Want example? Just look at the many hobbyists in the appropriate section with low/med light who has crazy algae issues .

Whatever your choice in the end good luck!

[james1542]

So if Halides only grow algae they can't grow plants then because plants are not alage. This is horrible advice, plants grow like mad under metal halide and it's one of the most efficient light sources you can find. If you strike the right balance guess what, no algae. Granted, these halides are very bright, and in the wrong hands you could easily get way too much light, and burn the leaves right off your plants, or have heat issues because all that wattage will get pretty hot, or become the greatest home algae farmer in your neighborhood.

The individual reflector t5 light will probably be as bright as a metal halide, but when it comes time to replace bulbs, you will pay far more on all those t5 ho bulbs. Finally LED's, good ones, are just as efficient, but far more expensive for an equivalent amount of light output.