looking for lighting upgrade

langtudatinh01 · 10/21/2009, 10:04 PM

hi RC,

iam currently have 220 W PC over my 29 gallons (30x12x18). iam planning to upgrade to a higher lighting system. most of the lighting fixture is either not powerful enough or too big for me tank. i think the only option would be to go with a 250W metal halide, but i want to have actinic light too.

if i will go with a MH then how long should i keep the light on everyday without burning everything. How high should i hang it? i hope to keep sps and clam in the future too. thanks. any suggestion for light fixture or system?

Akwarius · 10/22/2009, 02:55 AM

250w over 29g?! Go with 150w with supplemental and slowly wean the tank into 8-10 hrs a day.

thegrun · 10/22/2009, 08:09 AM

+1, I would go with a 150 watt MH. I have a 150 watt MH on my 28 nano with 2-18 watt actinic PC bulbs to supplement the color. I run my MH for 7 hours a day; the actinics are on for 12 hours.

langtudatinh01 · 10/22/2009, 11:44 AM

do you have any suggestion what system (manufacturer) should i get? i am thinking about current sundial. the price is reasonable. i have to ship it up to Alaska, which means i have to add another $200 of shipping. i am looking for something within my budget. thanks.

fishuntbike · 10/22/2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by langtudatinh01

do you have any suggestion what system (manufacturer) should i get? i am thinking about current sundial. the price is reasonable. i have to ship it up to Alaska, which means i have to add another $200 of shipping. i am looking for something within my budget. thanks.

Not sure if you have access or ability to build a canopy and house a 175 MH mogul base and 2x24 T5. All are DIY retro fit.

langtudatinh01 · 10/22/2009, 12:58 PM

yes, my current hood is homemade. i have 4 55W PC, i want to know if 4 24w T5 will be any better? Could i keep a clam with it or i have to go with MH. i am concerned about over heating the tank with MH. it is only a 29G. my current lighting is roughly 6" above water. thanks.

10/21/2009, 10:04 PM	#1
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	looking for lighting upgrade hi RC, iam currently have 220 W PC over my 29 gallons (30x12x18). iam planning to upgrade to a higher lighting system. most of the lighting fixture is either not powerful enough or too big for me tank. i think the only option would be to go with a 250W metal halide, but i want to have actinic light too. if i will go with a MH then how long should i keep the light on everyday without burning everything. How high should i hang it? i hope to keep sps and clam in the future too. thanks. any suggestion for light fixture or system? __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/22/2009, 11:44 AM	#4
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	do you have any suggestion what system (manufacturer) should i get? i am thinking about current sundial. the price is reasonable. i have to ship it up to Alaska, which means i have to add another $200 of shipping. i am looking for something within my budget. thanks. __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/22/2009, 12:58 PM	#6
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	yes, my current hood is homemade. i have 4 55W PC, i want to know if 4 24w T5 will be any better? Could i keep a clam with it or i have to go with MH. i am concerned about over heating the tank with MH. it is only a 29G. my current lighting is roughly 6" above water. thanks. __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/22/2009, 02:55 AM	#2
Akwarius Moved On Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 398	250w over 29g?! Go with 150w with supplemental and slowly wean the tank into 8-10 hrs a day.

10/22/2009, 08:09 AM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	+1, I would go with a 150 watt MH. I have a 150 watt MH on my 28 nano with 2-18 watt actinic PC bulbs to supplement the color. I run my MH for 7 hours a day; the actinics are on for 12 hours.