Advice on affordable metal halides

katphish · 08/11/2013, 04:50 PM

Tank is 48" long. I know fans are a must. What else should I look for when buying halides for the first time? Whats the difference between doubled ended and single ended? Is there an affordable off brand model option?

RAG_83 · 08/11/2013, 05:07 PM

The link below is one option another is check locally for used light
http://www.aquatraders.com/48-716W-M...bo-p/54267.htm

HippieSmell · 08/11/2013, 07:38 PM

Define affordable.

ct_vol · 08/11/2013, 08:39 PM

I always recommend going with a canopy and some decent reflectors with T5/VHO actinic supplementation... To me you get more bang for your buck than with all in one lighting systems... JMO...

moondoggy4 · 08/11/2013, 08:42 PM

Some of the cheapest lighting is used MH systems, you will need 50 post and 90 days to but in the used section, this will give you time to read and do research, unless you need the lighting now.

James77 · 08/11/2013, 09:07 PM

Yeah there are some serious steals in the halide area. If you are setting up a first tank, then 3 months is a good waiting period before any type of corals any way

As an example, I bought the halide lighting for my 75 off here. It is 2 LumenMax 3 150w pendants, a dual Blue Wave 150 watt ballast, and 2 near new Phoenix bulbs for $225 shipped.

grigsy · 08/12/2013, 10:05 PM

Halides are awesome. My favorite type of lighting by far and I have used all different types.

For a 4 Ft tank, you should consider two 250 watt 14K or 20K metal halide pendants or a system with Metal Halide + T5 HO actinics.

Both will give you great growth and good color.

jerpa · 08/13/2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct_vol

I always recommend going with a canopy and some decent reflectors with T5/VHO actinic supplementation... To me you get more bang for your buck than with all in one lighting systems... JMO...

^This

You can use less wattage to light the same area and it costs less than the fixtures that incorporate efficient reflectors. You can also mitigate a lot of the heat issues with proper reflectors. I would also look locally for used equipment. Undamaged reflectors never wear out and there are deals to be had with so many adopting LEDs.

Dapg8gt · 08/13/2013, 12:46 PM

I also recommend used. Buy quality stay away from the cheaper all in one units the price point is only initial.. After you factor in replacing all the bulbs it's just a small if any savings. Plus you still are stuck with crappy reflectors. Quality used is the best bet to save money and get the most out of your setup..

SGT_York · 08/13/2013, 02:35 PM

Certainly buy the $100 type reflectors much better than the $20 ones. I decided on 250MH with DIY LED acitinic kit. nearly similar in price to T5's easy to do.

You're not from texas are you!

kevensquint · 08/13/2013, 09:53 PM

HQI is often available as a all in one canopy with T5 supplementation. The SE is more a DIY that you build into a canopy. Its usually the cheapest hardware. For HQI, I prefer 250w Phoenix 14k. For SE, Radium 20k 250w.

08/11/2013, 04:50 PM	#1
katphish Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 3	Advice on affordable metal halides Tank is 48" long. I know fans are a must. What else should I look for when buying halides for the first time? Whats the difference between doubled ended and single ended? Is there an affordable off brand model option?

08/11/2013, 07:38 PM	#3
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	Define affordable. __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

08/11/2013, 08:39 PM	#4
ct_vol Reefing On My Mind Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kempton, IL Posts: 8,083	I always recommend going with a canopy and some decent reflectors with T5/VHO actinic supplementation... To me you get more bang for your buck than with all in one lighting systems... JMO... __________________ Randy Volunteers, Blackhawks, Titans, Cubs!!!! Current Tank Info: 185g waiting to be built, 120g SPS/Anemone Reef, 120g SCA in the works, 58g mixed reef w/ 6x39w T5, 125g grow out w/ Reef Breeders

08/11/2013, 09:07 PM	#6
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Yeah there are some serious steals in the halide area. If you are setting up a first tank, then 3 months is a good waiting period before any type of corals any way As an example, I bought the halide lighting for my 75 off here. It is 2 LumenMax 3 150w pendants, a dual Blue Wave 150 watt ballast, and 2 near new Phoenix bulbs for $225 shipped. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

08/13/2013, 12:46 PM	#9
Dapg8gt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pacifica Posts: 3,741	I also recommend used. Buy quality stay away from the cheaper all in one units the price point is only initial.. After you factor in replacing all the bulbs it's just a small if any savings. Plus you still are stuck with crappy reflectors. Quality used is the best bet to save money and get the most out of your setup.. __________________ 15 years in the hobby yet still learning every day. 280g radium lit sps flat living in my garage rent free. Current Tank Info: 105g SPS dominant euro braced powered by 4 ecotech pumps and lit by an ATI powermodule controlled by a reef angel =).

08/11/2013, 05:07 PM	#2
RAG_83 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 49	The link below is one option another is check locally for used light http://www.aquatraders.com/48-716W-M...bo-p/54267.htm

08/11/2013, 08:42 PM	#5
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Some of the cheapest lighting is used MH systems, you will need 50 post and 90 days to but in the used section, this will give you time to read and do research, unless you need the lighting now.

08/12/2013, 10:05 PM	#7
grigsy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 2,307	Halides are awesome. My favorite type of lighting by far and I have used all different types. For a 4 Ft tank, you should consider two 250 watt 14K or 20K metal halide pendants or a system with Metal Halide + T5 HO actinics. Both will give you great growth and good color.

08/13/2013, 02:35 PM	#10
SGT_York Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,746	Certainly buy the $100 type reflectors much better than the $20 ones. I decided on 250MH with DIY LED acitinic kit. nearly similar in price to T5's easy to do. You're not from texas are you!

08/13/2013, 09:53 PM	#11
kevensquint Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: new york Posts: 2,277	HQI is often available as a all in one canopy with T5 supplementation. The SE is more a DIY that you build into a canopy. Its usually the cheapest hardware. For HQI, I prefer 250w Phoenix 14k. For SE, Radium 20k 250w.