Lighting Question

Scrumf · 07/07/2007, 09:07 AM

I have been using Power compact lighting for as long as i had this tank. I need to buy a new light this one is just about dead !! So my question is since i have just fish and live rock should i stay with power compacts or go for the big money and get power compacts with metal halide bulbs. I can't go reef because my fish are just to aggressive. And i really don't want to go reef. Would the combination of the 2 PC & MH give me more color on my live rock or should i just stay with the PC fixtures. I know MH is for reef tanks would it make a differance with just live rock ???

It's a 180 Gallon measures 72W x 18D x 30H

Thanks for the input

Andrew · 07/07/2007, 09:21 AM

There's really no reason to go with MH lights if you don't have plans for corals. If anything, go with T-5 bulbs. You'll get a lot of light with individual reflectors. If you have the money for MH lights and by all means... go on ahead but you'll be using a lot of power to run them and you'll be adding a lot of heat to the tank.

Scrumf · 07/07/2007, 09:31 AM

Thanks Andrew
I was looking into the T5 bulbs i don't think they make them into fixtures. if you know a place that might please let me know i need them for 72" and fans to cool them because they will be in a canopy. I have holes cut out for the hot air to escape.
Thanks

07/07/2007, 09:07 AM	#1
Scrumf Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 94	Lighting Question I have been using Power compact lighting for as long as i had this tank. I need to buy a new light this one is just about dead !! So my question is since i have just fish and live rock should i stay with power compacts or go for the big money and get power compacts with metal halide bulbs. I can't go reef because my fish are just to aggressive. And i really don't want to go reef. Would the combination of the 2 PC & MH give me more color on my live rock or should i just stay with the PC fixtures. I know MH is for reef tanks would it make a differance with just live rock ??? It's a 180 Gallon measures 72W x 18D x 30H Thanks for the input

07/07/2007, 09:21 AM	#2
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	There's really no reason to go with MH lights if you don't have plans for corals. If anything, go with T-5 bulbs. You'll get a lot of light with individual reflectors. If you have the money for MH lights and by all means... go on ahead but you'll be using a lot of power to run them and you'll be adding a lot of heat to the tank.

07/07/2007, 09:31 AM	#3
Scrumf Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 94	Thanks Andrew I was looking into the T5 bulbs i don't think they make them into fixtures. if you know a place that might please let me know i need them for 72" and fans to cool them because they will be in a canopy. I have holes cut out for the hot air to escape. Thanks