Lighting for 120g

[Plants Rock]

I will be geting a 120g 48" by 24" by 24" tank and I want to know which lighting setup will be better:

1. 300w power compact+2 40w 48" normal flouressents or...

2. 2 175 watt meatal haldide pendants or...

3. 2 175 watt metal haldide + 2 vho 40" bulbs combo pendant

I personaly like option 3 best but is it to much light?

DO metal haldide bullbs work well in aquariums? What kelvin should they be?

[ninoboy]

I'm thinking of using MH also for my next tank. I think it's more convinient as they just hang from the ceiling. I can just do my aquascape while having full lights. I would go with option 3. If the VHO makes it too much light, just take the bulbs out. But how much is the difference betweem 2 and 3 (price)? Where are you getting the fixture from?

[Plants Rock]

metal haldieds cost a lot of $$$$ I am geting them from big al's (its not on their website so dont look for it) they are 600$

[rkundla]

You must be getting the nice lights for 600 bones!

I do love the Aqua Medic lights, very modern. Of course, I make do with spider reflectors mounted under my canopy. :P

Send pictures when you get it all set up!

[Gomer]

6x55AH youcan mix and match bulbs for any color you want


actually, I'd either do the above but would strongly consider MH's. I would probably do option #2 ...just keep in mind how long MH bulbs last and the cost of replacements. i'm not completely familiar with them, so I can't say.

[rumples riot]

If you want to see how well metal halide work on aquariums go to my thread in photo albums.

The answer is yes an astounding yes, best plant growth I have ever had and for the most part it is compact. My macaranda is so red that it is almost molten colour.

Now I can ever grow some plants that I could not with 2.6 watts per gallon.

You made an excellent choice with MH.

Paul

[gnatster]

I'm in the process of gathering all the items I need for a 120 also. Ordered an Aquastarlight Future, 2x250 5K. My only concern is the 5K temp may be too yellow.

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gnatster

[rumples riot]

Using the 5700K lights with an aquastarlight future myself. You will love this light. However how long is your tank? The model I have is 3 x 150 setup for a 6 foot tank. Just wondering what is the length of your tank?

Incidently 150 is really bright, I think 250 would be too bright.


Paul

[gnatster]

Tank is standard All Glass Aquarium 120, 48*24*24. I did my figuring considering surface area and depth more then WPG. Calculations show that using 2 approx 200w would be best but they are not made. The intention is to use the height adjustability to my advantage.

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gnatster