400 watt metal halides on 20in deep acrylic tank?

1st29bio · 03/04/2015, 06:10 PM

I can get a few 400 watt metal halides for my tank. I know this is more than I need, but is it ok and how far above the tank to keep from bleaching coral. The tank is 5 ft long and 18 in wide. How many will I need to get a good cover? And any other advise you have.

1st29bio · 03/04/2015, 06:12 PM

Also will just the metal halides be enough or do I need to pair up with another kind of light.

Reel North · 03/04/2015, 08:35 PM

That's a ton of power. 250 w is fine. Depending on the size of the pendant or reflector you need 2 or 3. Try 2.

1st29bio · 03/05/2015, 07:02 AM

I know but I can get 400 for free is the deal can I use them

tom obrecht · 03/05/2015, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1st29bio

I know but I can get 400 for free is the deal can I use them

Can u use them...sure. Is it more than u need...yes. Even for sps IMO. It's hard to turn down a free deal! Not sure what reflectors you have with the setup but if you have/get quality reflectors 2-400s will grow anything! Heck years back I had a 4'tank with 2-400's and all softies. They grew right to the water line and loved it so I think you will be fine. If possible set the lights up so you can play with the height level.

1st29bio · 03/05/2015, 07:14 AM

Definitely will do I risk burning up corals with those lights

Brando5185 · 03/05/2015, 08:09 AM

Get the 400s for free, trade them for some 250w plus a little cash.

tom obrecht · 03/05/2015, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1st29bio

Definitely will do I risk burning up corals with those lights

You certainly can depending on what you keep and height from water ect. If enclosed in a canopy heat will be an issue as well.

1st29bio · 03/05/2015, 08:40 AM

Not going to enclose going to make a hanging canopy

1st29bio · 03/05/2015, 08:40 AM

That way I can hang the lights high and not have to make a 7 foot tall canopy.

Savant · 03/05/2015, 01:33 PM

lol "welcome to my new sun room, be sure to bring your spf30 lotion"

JB NY · 03/05/2015, 02:45 PM

You can do that without problems, I know people who have 400 watt MH on 40 gallon breeder tanks.

Sk8r · 03/05/2015, 03:37 PM

Heh. Take the money you would have spent on lights and get a 100 + gallon tank. Then they'll work fine!

You have to shield these things, and the higher you hang them above your tank, the more exposed your room, your skin, eyes, and you are to this light. I'd say spend for one or the other---and I'd go for the larger tank.

03/04/2015, 06:10 PM	#1
1st29bio Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati ohio Posts: 87	400 watt metal halides on 20in deep acrylic tank? I can get a few 400 watt metal halides for my tank. I know this is more than I need, but is it ok and how far above the tank to keep from bleaching coral. The tank is 5 ft long and 18 in wide. How many will I need to get a good cover? And any other advise you have.

03/05/2015, 01:33 PM	#11
Savant Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: N.E. Pa Posts: 402	lol "welcome to my new sun room, be sure to bring your spf30 lotion" __________________ ____________ Will Tank Info: 105g DT l 100g sump l remote fuge 40g l Photon 48V2 LED l Diablo XS200 l APEX to run the show

03/05/2015, 02:45 PM	#12
JB NY Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 9,207	You can do that without problems, I know people who have 400 watt MH on 40 gallon breeder tanks. __________________ -Joe TOTM Sept 2002 \| Reefland April 2004 \| CORAL Magazine Nov 2007 Featured Tank "Coral Reef Aquarium" 2011 \| Reef Spotlight 2018 Current Tank Info: 270G SPS Tank, 140G sumps, 35G Frag Tank, Ultra Reef Akula UKS-200 Skimmer, Apex, Giesemann Spectra 3x250W MH 4x80W T5, 2xReefbrite Tech 72" Blue LED, Triton Dosing, ARID C30 Algae Reactor, Maxspect Gyre

03/05/2015, 03:37 PM	#13
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Heh. Take the money you would have spent on lights and get a 100 + gallon tank. Then they'll work fine! You have to shield these things, and the higher you hang them above your tank, the more exposed your room, your skin, eyes, and you are to this light. I'd say spend for one or the other---and I'd go for the larger tank. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

03/04/2015, 06:12 PM	#2
1st29bio Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati ohio Posts: 87	Also will just the metal halides be enough or do I need to pair up with another kind of light.

03/04/2015, 08:35 PM	#3
Reel North New King of Quarantine Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hammertown, Canada eh Posts: 1,175	That's a ton of power. 250 w is fine. Depending on the size of the pendant or reflector you need 2 or 3. Try 2.

03/05/2015, 07:02 AM	#4
1st29bio Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati ohio Posts: 87	I know but I can get 400 for free is the deal can I use them

03/05/2015, 07:14 AM	#6
1st29bio Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati ohio Posts: 87	Definitely will do I risk burning up corals with those lights

03/05/2015, 08:09 AM	#7
Brando5185 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 129	Get the 400s for free, trade them for some 250w plus a little cash.

03/05/2015, 08:40 AM	#9
1st29bio Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cincinnati ohio Posts: 87	Not going to enclose going to make a hanging canopy