What sort of MH would I need?

Luanialus · 02/16/2008, 09:37 AM

Hey guys, I'd like to eventually upgrade my powercompacts to Metal Halides. I have a 125 long tank. Could you give me some suggestions as to what I should look for that will give me the best range of options for my tank? That way I can start watching the for sale board, also if you could put a "don't spend more than this on used" guideline that would be awesome. Thanks a ton.

~Mickey

snulma1 · 02/16/2008, 09:45 AM

Spending guidelines should be set by you, and nobody else. If you feel something is worth the money, and you can afford it, then buy it.

As for what you are looking at for your tank, I would recommend at least 3 x 250w MH's, Lumenarc reflectors if you have a canopy, if not, look for a decent all in one light fixture (MH, PC or T5 or VHO actinics, and moon lights).

Anton M · 02/16/2008, 10:21 AM

2x175W if that's not enough stick a third one in the middle, generally 1 per 2 feet of tank.

Luanialus · 02/16/2008, 12:00 PM

"Spending guidelines should be set by you, and nobody else. If you feel something is worth the money, and you can afford it, then buy it."

That is a fair statement within reason. I've only been watching the list a few weeks, you all have been here awhile, so you know how much stuff typically goes for. What I can afford, and what I can save and put toward something else expensive are two different concepts, and I'd appreciate the chance to save some money so that I can apply it elsewhere. Meaning, halides being sold for 500 bucks happens every couple weeks, for example, so spending more than that is sort of silly when tomorrow you'll likely see them far cheaper. That's the kind of thing I'm looking for :-)

I don't have a canopy, so these would likely hang from the ceiling or be self supported. Should have mentioned that earlier, thanks for the tips.

~Mickey

Luanialus · 02/16/2008, 12:03 PM

"2x175W if that's not enough stick a third one in the middle, generally 1 per 2 feet of tank."

Ok so does that mean Halides come in just 2 foot sections? Just checking to make sure I understand. Would other light to supplement be necessary, or having just the halides be sufficient? Any ideas on how much you've seen the balasts for the 175's go for used? Thanks!

~Mickey

kau_cinta_ku · 02/16/2008, 12:19 PM

he means they cover a 2' x 2' area of light so a 6' tank would need 3 MH's. IMO look for 250 watt MH that will allow you to keep most anything in your tank. 175's will work but all light demanding corals would have to be near the top. price diff. between the 2 are very min. if you have a canopy you can get reto's for very cheap. I bought 2 400 watt MH retro with brand new bulbs for 250.00 shipped. alot depends on the brand ballasts, reflectors and such. my was just the basica bare ballast, and spider reflector

02/16/2008, 09:37 AM	#1
Luanialus Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 40	What sort of MH would I need? Hey guys, I'd like to eventually upgrade my powercompacts to Metal Halides. I have a 125 long tank. Could you give me some suggestions as to what I should look for that will give me the best range of options for my tank? That way I can start watching the for sale board, also if you could put a "don't spend more than this on used" guideline that would be awesome. Thanks a ton. ~Mickey

02/16/2008, 09:45 AM	#2
snulma1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,281	Spending guidelines should be set by you, and nobody else. If you feel something is worth the money, and you can afford it, then buy it. As for what you are looking at for your tank, I would recommend at least 3 x 250w MH's, Lumenarc reflectors if you have a canopy, if not, look for a decent all in one light fixture (MH, PC or T5 or VHO actinics, and moon lights).

02/16/2008, 10:21 AM	#3
Anton M Moved On Join Date: May 2007 Location: Plano TX Posts: 93	2x175W if that's not enough stick a third one in the middle, generally 1 per 2 feet of tank.

02/16/2008, 12:00 PM	#4
Luanialus Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 40	"Spending guidelines should be set by you, and nobody else. If you feel something is worth the money, and you can afford it, then buy it." That is a fair statement within reason. I've only been watching the list a few weeks, you all have been here awhile, so you know how much stuff typically goes for. What I can afford, and what I can save and put toward something else expensive are two different concepts, and I'd appreciate the chance to save some money so that I can apply it elsewhere. Meaning, halides being sold for 500 bucks happens every couple weeks, for example, so spending more than that is sort of silly when tomorrow you'll likely see them far cheaper. That's the kind of thing I'm looking for :-) I don't have a canopy, so these would likely hang from the ceiling or be self supported. Should have mentioned that earlier, thanks for the tips. ~Mickey

02/16/2008, 12:03 PM	#5
Luanialus Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 40	"2x175W if that's not enough stick a third one in the middle, generally 1 per 2 feet of tank." Ok so does that mean Halides come in just 2 foot sections? Just checking to make sure I understand. Would other light to supplement be necessary, or having just the halides be sufficient? Any ideas on how much you've seen the balasts for the 175's go for used? Thanks! ~Mickey

02/16/2008, 12:19 PM	#6
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	he means they cover a 2' x 2' area of light so a 6' tank would need 3 MH's. IMO look for 250 watt MH that will allow you to keep most anything in your tank. 175's will work but all light demanding corals would have to be near the top. price diff. between the 2 are very min. if you have a canopy you can get reto's for very cheap. I bought 2 400 watt MH retro with brand new bulbs for 250.00 shipped. alot depends on the brand ballasts, reflectors and such. my was just the basica bare ballast, and spider reflector