500w of MH over a 46g?

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 12:59 AM

I'm currently looking to purchase one of Current USA's 500w MH and lunarl light Sunpod fixture for my 46g bow that's going to contain zoas and some other easy softies, right now it's FO.

My concern is that this is going to actually be TOO powerful for my tank, it works out to something like 10w per gallon. I will be using light diffusing eggcrate for a cover and I know that will cut some of that down, not sure how much though.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

codyjp · 10/13/2009, 01:03 AM

Why would you want to do that? your fish will probably get skin cancer.

That is a lot of extra heat and $$ in the electric bill!

lordofthereef · 10/13/2009, 01:10 AM

I think it will certainly be too powerful, especially for keeping zoas and softies. I think some sps would even have trouble with that.

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 01:11 AM

Well, pendants aren't an option, so I need a 36" fixture that sits on the tank. The Sunpod looks good, comes in the 14k I want, and has lunar lights.

Except the 36" version comes only with 2x 250W bulbs. Any other suggestions?

Maybe this? http://www.marinedepot.com/36_inch_C...U01041-vi.html

acrodave · 10/13/2009, 01:11 AM

that way to much.. i would go 250w

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 01:15 AM

It's a display tank in the sitting area of the house so, basically, here are my requirements, maybe you guys could make a suggestion:

1) MH
2) 36" sits on tank
3) has built in lunar lighting for night viewing
4) won't give my fish cancer

The one I posted above looks promising, but I have a question about the actinics, will they tint my light to a different color in any way?

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 01:16 AM

Hmm, well, suppose I got the 24" version with one 250w bulb. Is there a way I could adapt that to my tank?

Sugar Magnolia · 10/13/2009, 06:16 AM

Why not go with a clamp on MH like the viper? http://www.marineandreef.com/Product...B10061&click=2 I'm sure it can be found cheaper, just shop around. I can't even imagine the heat issues you would have with a 500w over that size tank. I have 250w over my 30g and have to use a fan to keep the heat down.

Alleykat0498 · 10/13/2009, 07:59 AM

I'm running a 250w 14k Hamilton over my 40 breeder, I have problems keeping some sps from getting a "sunburn" in the high par area's... FWIW I would look into 2x175's...

drywallninja · 10/13/2009, 08:25 AM

I have a 250 watt over my 36 gal and its too much.+1 on the 2x175's

serpentman · 10/13/2009, 08:52 AM

+2 on the 2x 175W

Caetano_Thiago · 10/13/2009, 10:34 AM

can find something and hang it over ur tank?

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 11:37 AM

Here's something I found that I'm kind of excited about:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?category=Coralife_36_Inch_Aqualight_Pro_1x150W_HQI_MH_Lamp_ _2x65W_PC_ _2x1W_Lunar_LED_36_Inch_Double_Ended_Metal_Halide_Power_Compact_Fixtures_with_Moon_Lights&vendor=Coralife&idProduct=ES53502&IdCategory=FILTFIMHMPMDMLM5&tab=0&option1=150%20watt%20HQI%20Lamp(s)

280w combo MH + Actinics, on sale for $370. What do you think? There's also a more expensive Current USA Outer Orbit set up that's 342W

Which one would you guys recommend?

username in use · 10/13/2009, 01:16 PM

id recomend t5's if all your keeping is mushrooms and softies. You could even do pc's. Save on electric, save on heat, cheaper to buy, all positives. And with t5's you can get any color spectrum you want.

Alleykat0498 · 10/13/2009, 02:44 PM

sent a pm on something I ran across elsewhere =)

sharrison · 10/13/2009, 03:18 PM

to be honest 1 MH isnt going to do anything thing for a 46 gallon reef unless you take the center support out or you plan on putting it off-center or buying 2 of them. yea 500 watts would probably make you substraite blow up.

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 05:52 PM

Thanks for the heads up on that!

As for my center brace on the top, do I really need that or can I cut it out?

A sea K · 10/13/2009, 05:59 PM

here's another, 2x150 HQI and with T-5 instead of PC.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...6&pcatid=15486

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 10:20 PM

So, If I have to, can I cut out the middle support thing on the plastic frame of my aquarium? Is that safe?

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 10:27 PM

Hmm, just found out you REALLY shouldn't.

Those Outer Orbit Pro setups are really great with 2 lamps, but their total wattage for my size is 469, so it's not too much better than the 500w idea.

Any ideas at all?

stanlalee · 10/13/2009, 11:05 PM

I find it halarious how 250w X2 over a 3ft 21" 46g is way too much for the corals but ask the same question about a 20" tall 4ft 75g and you get "perfect". except a slightly larger overlap for the 45g and 1" less height for the 75g the corals in each see virtually the same thing so how is it wa too much in one and perfectly fine in the other.

this really isn't a question thats going to be best answered in "new hobbiest" section. anybody who's had a few set ups with MH will tell you 250wx2 is obviously overkill for what you want to keep now BUT in no way ill advised or "too much" as in adverse to the corals your going to keep (its called acclimation in which just about ALL corals we keep can easily deal with 250w, the most popular option for a reason). you can EASILY end up with a 175w set up that outperforms a 250w sunpod so I dont know how thats any easier on the livestock. the fish could care less, the zoanthid will spread and grow MUCH faster under high lighting, the only issues you'll have with the softies is growing too quickly. the 250w will allow much more flexibility in regards to bulb selection (you can use higher kelvin or best looking lamp to you without much regard to output being adequate. same in the other direction if you want really intense lighting) and more importantly will still be useful if you decide to keep sps or higher light corals which you envitably will.
the ONLY issue of concern COULD be heat which with the sunpod, 46g and an open top is not going to be that much of a concern particulary if you plan on having a sump.

And if by chance you still dont believe me I have a 3ft 150w x2 sunpod over my 30g I'd GLADLY trade you for the 250w version. MONEY is why I didn't get the 250w version but as you've realized by now they are discountinued and only the 250w versions are still readily available new.

Doobze · 10/13/2009, 11:18 PM

Well, that kind of settles it for me, I think I'll probably get the Outer Orbit Pro with 2x150w and the 169w of actinic.

Woo.

1blackchicken · 10/13/2009, 11:24 PM

I also agree that it would not be to much. You just have to properly acclimate your corals or possibly create some shadier spots with your rock work. I am running 2x 400w halides over my 110 and have not had any problems thus far. Just take your time acclimating everything. Also if heat were to become an issue then you could just get a clip on fan to blow across the surface of the water to help cool it. Just my .02.

Alleykat0498 · 10/13/2009, 11:33 PM

Never had a problem with the acclimation of new corals with the 250 over my 40. BUT when I changed 6 mo. old bulbs out for new exact replacements I managed to burn up 2 acropora colonies that were epoxied in place (with light diffusers in place). I never said it could not be done, just stated that I was searching for a lower wattage/better coverage on my tank that is mostly SPS dominated and is roughly the same dimensions.

I do agree with the fact that your choices in lamps increase with the wattage though. It is very hard to make a temp choice with the lower wattage bulbs.

HTH

rizakaniza · 10/14/2009, 12:53 AM

I'm not all that experienced as others here, but I am surprised that no one asked what your tank dimensions were. Your tank dimensions are more important than how many gallons your tank is in regards to lighting. From what I know 500W would be waaaaaaay too much light unless your tank was 6 inches wide and many feet tall. I have a 39 G Cadlights pro and I would think 150-250watts maximum would be just perfect. Not sure anything over 250 would really offer you any benefit.

10/13/2009, 12:59 AM	#1
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	500w of MH over a 46g? I'm currently looking to purchase one of Current USA's 500w MH and lunarl light Sunpod fixture for my 46g bow that's going to contain zoas and some other easy softies, right now it's FO. My concern is that this is going to actually be TOO powerful for my tank, it works out to something like 10w per gallon. I will be using light diffusing eggcrate for a cover and I know that will cut some of that down, not sure how much though. Thoughts? Suggestions?

10/13/2009, 01:03 AM	#2
codyjp Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 120	Why would you want to do that? your fish will probably get skin cancer. That is a lot of extra heat and $$ in the electric bill! __________________ CAD 50 in the making... Current Tank Info: CAD Lights 50

10/13/2009, 01:10 AM	#3
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	I think it will certainly be too powerful, especially for keeping zoas and softies. I think some sps would even have trouble with that. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

10/13/2009, 01:11 AM	#5
acrodave REEF NERD Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: maryville tn-- work in knoxville Posts: 4,187	that way to much.. i would go 250w __________________ Peace,Dave Superman puts on Tim Tebow pajamas when he goes to bed The Heisman as a sophomore nuff said Less technology more biology Tattoos are the only art you can take to the grave Current Tank Info: 26gal bow,20gal mantis tank/fuge150wHQI,20k AB Seio 620 maxijet1200x's 2 on a wave maker. all sps

10/13/2009, 06:16 AM	#8
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	Why not go with a clamp on MH like the viper? http://www.marineandreef.com/Product...B10061&click=2 I'm sure it can be found cheaper, just shop around. I can't even imagine the heat issues you would have with a 500w over that size tank. I have 250w over my 30g and have to use a fan to keep the heat down. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

10/13/2009, 01:15 AM	#6
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	It's a display tank in the sitting area of the house so, basically, here are my requirements, maybe you guys could make a suggestion: 1) MH 2) 36" sits on tank 3) has built in lunar lighting for night viewing 4) won't give my fish cancer The one I posted above looks promising, but I have a question about the actinics, will they tint my light to a different color in any way?

10/13/2009, 01:16 AM	#7
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	Hmm, well, suppose I got the 24" version with one 250w bulb. Is there a way I could adapt that to my tank?

10/13/2009, 07:59 AM	#9
Alleykat0498 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 683	I'm running a 250w 14k Hamilton over my 40 breeder, I have problems keeping some sps from getting a "sunburn" in the high par area's... FWIW I would look into 2x175's... __________________ "People climb Mount Everest because it's hard to do. Why do they go up the easy side???" George Carlin Current Tank Info: Ol school 100g 6', ATI BM 200, Pheonix 14k 250x2, RKL

10/13/2009, 08:25 AM	#10
drywallninja Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Rocklin CA Posts: 93	I have a 250 watt over my 36 gal and its too much.+1 on the 2x175's

10/13/2009, 08:52 AM	#11
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	+2 on the 2x 175W __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

10/13/2009, 10:34 AM	#12
Caetano_Thiago Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: 831 Salinas Posts: 420	can find something and hang it over ur tank? __________________ just keep telling myself that i only spent half of what was actually spent.. and ill be ok. Current Tank Info: 14G Oceanic BC, RapidLed Retro kit with Cree LEDS, intank media basket (middle chamber turned into fuge),Intank fishsaver, MJ900 return pump,hydor deflector, intank water director, intank fuge underwater light, jbj ato, EcoTech MP10ES

10/13/2009, 11:37 AM	#13
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	Here's something I found that I'm kind of excited about: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?category=Coralife_36_Inch_Aqualight_Pro_1x150W_HQI_MH_Lamp_ _2x65W_PC_ _2x1W_Lunar_LED_36_Inch_Double_Ended_Metal_Halide_Power_Compact_Fixtures_with_Moon_Lights&vendor=Coralife&idProduct=ES53502&IdCategory=FILTFIMHMPMDMLM5&tab=0&option1=150%20watt%20HQI%20Lamp(s) 280w combo MH + Actinics, on sale for $370. What do you think? There's also a more expensive Current USA Outer Orbit set up that's 342W Which one would you guys recommend?

10/13/2009, 01:16 PM	#14
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	id recomend t5's if all your keeping is mushrooms and softies. You could even do pc's. Save on electric, save on heat, cheaper to buy, all positives. And with t5's you can get any color spectrum you want. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

10/13/2009, 02:44 PM	#15
Alleykat0498 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 683	sent a pm on something I ran across elsewhere =) __________________ "People climb Mount Everest because it's hard to do. Why do they go up the easy side???" George Carlin Current Tank Info: Ol school 100g 6', ATI BM 200, Pheonix 14k 250x2, RKL

10/13/2009, 03:18 PM	#16
sharrison *"Registered Member"* Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Waynesboro, TN Posts: 354	to be honest 1 MH isnt going to do anything thing for a 46 gallon reef unless you take the center support out or you plan on putting it off-center or buying 2 of them. yea 500 watts would probably make you substraite blow up.

10/13/2009, 05:52 PM	#17
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	Thanks for the heads up on that! As for my center brace on the top, do I really need that or can I cut it out?

10/13/2009, 05:59 PM	#18
A sea K Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Branford Fl Posts: 3,024	here's another, 2x150 HQI and with T-5 instead of PC. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...6&pcatid=15486

10/13/2009, 10:20 PM	#19
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	So, If I have to, can I cut out the middle support thing on the plastic frame of my aquarium? Is that safe?

10/13/2009, 10:27 PM	#20
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	Hmm, just found out you REALLY shouldn't. Those Outer Orbit Pro setups are really great with 2 lamps, but their total wattage for my size is 469, so it's not too much better than the 500w idea. Any ideas at all?

10/13/2009, 11:05 PM	#21
stanlalee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: hampton roads, va Posts: 1,799	I find it halarious how 250w X2 over a 3ft 21" 46g is way too much for the corals but ask the same question about a 20" tall 4ft 75g and you get "perfect". except a slightly larger overlap for the 45g and 1" less height for the 75g the corals in each see virtually the same thing so how is it wa too much in one and perfectly fine in the other. this really isn't a question thats going to be best answered in "new hobbiest" section. anybody who's had a few set ups with MH will tell you 250wx2 is obviously overkill for what you want to keep now BUT in no way ill advised or "too much" as in adverse to the corals your going to keep (its called acclimation in which just about ALL corals we keep can easily deal with 250w, the most popular option for a reason). you can EASILY end up with a 175w set up that outperforms a 250w sunpod so I dont know how thats any easier on the livestock. the fish could care less, the zoanthid will spread and grow MUCH faster under high lighting, the only issues you'll have with the softies is growing too quickly. the 250w will allow much more flexibility in regards to bulb selection (you can use higher kelvin or best looking lamp to you without much regard to output being adequate. same in the other direction if you want really intense lighting) and more importantly will still be useful if you decide to keep sps or higher light corals which you envitably will. the ONLY issue of concern COULD be heat which with the sunpod, 46g and an open top is not going to be that much of a concern particulary if you plan on having a sump. And if by chance you still dont believe me I have a 3ft 150w x2 sunpod over my 30g I'd GLADLY trade you for the 250w version. MONEY is why I didn't get the 250w version but as you've realized by now they are discountinued and only the 250w versions are still readily available new. Last edited by stanlalee; 10/13/2009 at 11:23 PM.

10/13/2009, 11:18 PM	#22
Doobze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 246	Well, that kind of settles it for me, I think I'll probably get the Outer Orbit Pro with 2x150w and the 169w of actinic. Woo. Last edited by Doobze; 10/13/2009 at 11:28 PM.

10/13/2009, 11:24 PM	#23
1blackchicken Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Marina, Ca. Posts: 232	I also agree that it would not be to much. You just have to properly acclimate your corals or possibly create some shadier spots with your rock work. I am running 2x 400w halides over my 110 and have not had any problems thus far. Just take your time acclimating everything. Also if heat were to become an issue then you could just get a clip on fan to blow across the surface of the water to help cool it. Just my .02.

10/13/2009, 11:33 PM	#24
Alleykat0498 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 683	Never had a problem with the acclimation of new corals with the 250 over my 40. BUT when I changed 6 mo. old bulbs out for new exact replacements I managed to burn up 2 acropora colonies that were epoxied in place (with light diffusers in place). I never said it could not be done, just stated that I was searching for a lower wattage/better coverage on my tank that is mostly SPS dominated and is roughly the same dimensions. I do agree with the fact that your choices in lamps increase with the wattage though. It is very hard to make a temp choice with the lower wattage bulbs. HTH __________________ "People climb Mount Everest because it's hard to do. Why do they go up the easy side???" George Carlin Current Tank Info: Ol school 100g 6', ATI BM 200, Pheonix 14k 250x2, RKL

10/14/2009, 12:53 AM	#25
rizakaniza Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 31	I'm not all that experienced as others here, but I am surprised that no one asked what your tank dimensions were. Your tank dimensions are more important than how many gallons your tank is in regards to lighting. From what I know 500W would be waaaaaaay too much light unless your tank was 6 inches wide and many feet tall. I have a 39 G Cadlights pro and I would think 150-250watts maximum would be just perfect. Not sure anything over 250 would really offer you any benefit.