Clamp-On Metal Halides

Daecrist · 04/10/2008, 06:10 PM

So recently my 2x65w Power Compact bit the dust. I could rewire it, but I can also use it as an excuse to upgrade the lighting.

This is going on a 29 gallon tank. There aren't any fish in there right now, just some coral that could grow under the PC.

I've looked into T5 lighting, it'd have to be a 30" fixture, but I'm not sure if it would be much of an improvement over the Power Compact. I also noticed Metal Halide fixtures that clamp onto the edge of the tank and was wondering if anyone had experience with these or thought they were worthwhile?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=13922

That shows the basic idea, though I've found several similar. Is this something that would work on a smaller tank? So far similar lights have been recommended for smaller tanks. I'd say a 29 gallon qualifies as a smaller tank, but I'm worried that it might be more for nano cubes etc. So would this be a worthwhile investment, or should I go back to looking into T5? Unfortunately I can't go much higher than $300, so most MH setups are out of my price range at the moment.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

renisel · 04/10/2008, 07:14 PM

I just put the 70W JBJ Viper hang-on halide on my 10-gallon frag tank and it seems good so far. It's easier to set up and adjust the height than a pendant or an in-hood system, and the arm seems pretty sturdy. My only complaint so far is that the plug that goes into the ballast from the light seems to be kind of touchy and can come loose fairly easily. But so long as you're not moving it around or bumping into it very often, that shouldn't really be a major issue.

Noobie99 · 04/11/2008, 09:35 AM

have you seen the clamp on lamp from aqua euro? its i believe a 12 inch lighting system but its available in 70w to 250w hqi. i was thinking of getting one for a 24 gallon tank because they look pretty spiffy.

04/10/2008, 06:10 PM	#1
Daecrist Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 46	Clamp-On Metal Halides So recently my 2x65w Power Compact bit the dust. I could rewire it, but I can also use it as an excuse to upgrade the lighting. This is going on a 29 gallon tank. There aren't any fish in there right now, just some coral that could grow under the PC. I've looked into T5 lighting, it'd have to be a 30" fixture, but I'm not sure if it would be much of an improvement over the Power Compact. I also noticed Metal Halide fixtures that clamp onto the edge of the tank and was wondering if anyone had experience with these or thought they were worthwhile? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=13922 That shows the basic idea, though I've found several similar. Is this something that would work on a smaller tank? So far similar lights have been recommended for smaller tanks. I'd say a 29 gallon qualifies as a smaller tank, but I'm worried that it might be more for nano cubes etc. So would this be a worthwhile investment, or should I go back to looking into T5? Unfortunately I can't go much higher than $300, so most MH setups are out of my price range at the moment. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

04/11/2008, 09:35 AM	#3
Noobie99 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rio Rancho, NM Posts: 120	have you seen the clamp on lamp from aqua euro? its i believe a 12 inch lighting system but its available in 70w to 250w hqi. i was thinking of getting one for a 24 gallon tank because they look pretty spiffy. __________________ bleh Current Tank Info: 75 gal (48 x 18 x 21), Protostar 2 x 250 watt 14K HQI and 2 110W VHO's, 1/4 HP Chiller, AquaEuro 135 Skimmer, recently purchased some mighty expensive powerheads and CPR overflow..

04/10/2008, 07:14 PM	#2
renisel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 866	I just put the 70W JBJ Viper hang-on halide on my 10-gallon frag tank and it seems good so far. It's easier to set up and adjust the height than a pendant or an in-hood system, and the arm seems pretty sturdy. My only complaint so far is that the plug that goes into the ballast from the light seems to be kind of touchy and can come loose fairly easily. But so long as you're not moving it around or bumping into it very often, that shouldn't really be a major issue.