Metal Halide Experts Needed !!!

FISA · 04-01-2006, 03:18 AM

Hello there everyone...I need expert advise from MH light experts...

gotta 180 gallon tank... 22 inches height ( I think approx.)

got 2 x 250 W , 10,000K pendents ....

will this be enough ? any suggestions ...

( the tank will be pressurised co2 injected with an inline Aqua Medic Reactor 1000 and a Milwakee PH Controller )

All inputs greatly appreciated ...thanks

yoink · 04-01-2006, 04:14 AM

If the tank is 6ft long, I think you will want 3 pendants as they are ment to covert an area about 2ftx2ft. I'm the farthest thing from an expert on MH though.

houstonplant · 04-01-2006, 02:48 PM

How long is your tank?It is ok for 4 or 5 ft tank.

tekknoschtev · 04-01-2006, 03:01 PM

While I dont know for planted tanks as I've only used halides over reef tanks, but over our 150 (72x18x26) we have two 400W halides, and the light is really even across the tank except where the braces are. The bulbs are 12" off the water. I think you'd be fine with two.

jastormont · 04-02-2006, 03:05 AM

I have a 180 Gallon 6 Foot tank and I was looking at going with only 2 M/H for it. After talking to the guys on here they all recommended 3 m/h as a M/h light gives you roughly a 2sq foot coverage. After I got my 3x150watt AquaOne light I must be honest that I am glad I got a 3 M/H setup compared to 2 M/H setup as even with 3 M/H I still have a slightly less intense light at the ends of the tanks.

The other thing you do is get 2 m/h and just use low light plants at the ends of your tank. Just remember M/H lights are very direct in there light and this is why they are also good at penertrating the depths of a deeper tank.

otter · 04-02-2006, 09:08 PM

Fisa, where are you going to put it! Your wife must be thrilled... not!

04-01-2006, 03:18 AM	#1
FISA Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (92/100%) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: TwinCities Minnesota Posts: 453	Metal Halide Experts Needed !!! Hello there everyone...I need expert advise from MH light experts... gotta 180 gallon tank... 22 inches height ( I think approx.) got 2 x 250 W , 10,000K pendents .... will this be enough ? any suggestions ... ( the tank will be pressurised co2 injected with an inline Aqua Medic Reactor 1000 and a Milwakee PH Controller ) All inputs greatly appreciated ...thanks __________________ Ehiem Pimp # 88 ___________________________________ 29 Gallon PC 4WPG,Ehiem 2224 Pro, Pressurized CO2, Power Reactor, Eco Complete 75 Gallon PC 3.5WPG,Ehiem 2226 Pro, Pressurized CO2, Ext Reactor 1000, Eco Complete

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04-01-2006, 04:14 AM	#2
yoink Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (69/100%) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,981	If the tank is 6ft long, I think you will want 3 pendants as they are ment to covert an area about 2ftx2ft. I'm the farthest thing from an expert on MH though.

04-01-2006, 02:48 PM	#3
houstonplant Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: houston,tx Posts: 29	How long is your tank?It is ok for 4 or 5 ft tank.

04-01-2006, 03:01 PM	#4
tekknoschtev Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St. Clair Shores, MI Posts: 100	While I dont know for planted tanks as I've only used halides over reef tanks, but over our 150 (72x18x26) we have two 400W halides, and the light is really even across the tank except where the braces are. The bulbs are 12" off the water. I think you'd be fine with two.

04-02-2006, 03:05 AM	#5
jastormont Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Australia, Brisbane Posts: 67	I have a 180 Gallon 6 Foot tank and I was looking at going with only 2 M/H for it. After talking to the guys on here they all recommended 3 m/h as a M/h light gives you roughly a 2sq foot coverage. After I got my 3x150watt AquaOne light I must be honest that I am glad I got a 3 M/H setup compared to 2 M/H setup as even with 3 M/H I still have a slightly less intense light at the ends of the tanks. The other thing you do is get 2 m/h and just use low light plants at the ends of your tank. Just remember M/H lights are very direct in there light and this is why they are also good at penertrating the depths of a deeper tank.

04-02-2006, 09:08 PM	#6
otter Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (14/100%) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mayer, MN Posts: 632	Fisa, where are you going to put it! Your wife must be thrilled... not!