72 bow Metal Halide

Billabong · 03/04/2009, 03:22 PM

I'm looking to change over to metal halides. I know its a HUGE investment but have come to realize that I can get more out of my 72gal FOWLER tank with better lighting. I currently have power compacts. I want to get into more corals and SPS. What kind of wattage do I need? Will 150W work? Could I use more or less? What would be enough and what would overkill? Any recommendations and suggestions would be awesome! Thanks, ~Terra~

Fish_wiz2 · 03/04/2009, 03:24 PM

you should have more than 150 for SPS, i say at least 175's or even better, 250's for all corals. this will save you another upgrade in the future and allow you to keep everything you want without light being a factor against you. i use 250's and get really good growth. good luck Wiz

joeychitwood · 03/04/2009, 04:59 PM

I'd recommend a minimum of 250 watts of MH lighting. As Fish_wiz2 mentions, you'll probably wind up upgrading yet again if you buy less wattage now. I personally like the 14K Phoenix bulbs over my 54 corner tank in a Giesemann fixture.

thegrun · 03/04/2009, 07:04 PM

You might consider two 150 Watt fixtures to better distribute the light. The general rule of thumb for corals is 4 to 5 watts per gallon.

joshkarp · 03/04/2009, 07:24 PM

i have 2 150w's running 14k bulbs over my 72gl bowfront. all my corals (including SPS) seem to be quite happy.

...josh

Billabong · 03/04/2009, 08:25 PM

Thanks for the help everyone! Great information! Does anyone know about DIY pendants? Was thinking it might be cheaper than buying them?

terrinstevereef · 03/05/2009, 07:59 AM

We currently have 2x250 on our 75 Gallon and am really please with the light out put and penetration. should work for yours too.

As for the DIY path, make sure you get good reflectors, bulbs, etc...

You might check at reefgeek, they have some decent priced pendants/ballast/light combos.

Billabong · 05/18/2009, 10:50 PM

Thanks for the help everyone.

03/04/2009, 03:22 PM	#1
Billabong Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 125	72 bow Metal Halide I'm looking to change over to metal halides. I know its a HUGE investment but have come to realize that I can get more out of my 72gal FOWLER tank with better lighting. I currently have power compacts. I want to get into more corals and SPS. What kind of wattage do I need? Will 150W work? Could I use more or less? What would be enough and what would overkill? Any recommendations and suggestions would be awesome! Thanks, ~Terra~

03/04/2009, 03:24 PM	#2
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	you should have more than 150 for SPS, i say at least 175's or even better, 250's for all corals. this will save you another upgrade in the future and allow you to keep everything you want without light being a factor against you. i use 250's and get really good growth. good luck Wiz __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

03/05/2009, 07:59 AM	#7
terrinstevereef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Posts: 108	We currently have 2x250 on our 75 Gallon and am really please with the light out put and penetration. should work for yours too. As for the DIY path, make sure you get good reflectors, bulbs, etc... You might check at reefgeek, they have some decent priced pendants/ballast/light combos. __________________ Weeeeeeeee! Current Tank Info: 75 Gallon Oceanic w/95lbs of Fiji/Tonga/Marshall Live rock, 120lbs of live sand. 33Gallon sump, AMS G1X skimmer, Current Outer Orbit T5HO 2x250 14K MH + 4x54 T5

03/04/2009, 04:59 PM	#3
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	I'd recommend a minimum of 250 watts of MH lighting. As Fish_wiz2 mentions, you'll probably wind up upgrading yet again if you buy less wattage now. I personally like the 14K Phoenix bulbs over my 54 corner tank in a Giesemann fixture.

03/04/2009, 07:04 PM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	You might consider two 150 Watt fixtures to better distribute the light. The general rule of thumb for corals is 4 to 5 watts per gallon.

03/04/2009, 07:24 PM	#5
joshkarp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 43	i have 2 150w's running 14k bulbs over my 72gl bowfront. all my corals (including SPS) seem to be quite happy. ...josh

03/04/2009, 08:25 PM	#6
Billabong Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 125	Thanks for the help everyone! Great information! Does anyone know about DIY pendants? Was thinking it might be cheaper than buying them?

05/18/2009, 10:50 PM	#8
Billabong Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 125	Thanks for the help everyone.