New to MH lighting question

cprice · 03/23/2016, 11:21 AM

So i just picked up a set of (3) 150W MH lights, reflectors, and ballasts off of the classifieds on here. I bought them simply because it was a great price and I've never had any MH before. So now I have to figure out what to do with them on my new setup.

I am currently building a 250+ gal system that has a 150 DT, 75 Gallon Sump, and a 80 gallon frag tank (4'x2'x2'). (Build Thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2559937) I was wondering if I should use the existing LED setup on the DT and use these on the frag tank that will be in the garage. Im not sure where these lights will be most useful.

A general question about MH: How does the growth and color on MH with 14k Pheonix bulbs (or similar) compare to the equivalent light on LED or T5? I know this question is debated all the time, BUT im specifically looking for any first hand experience with both lights.

Thanks!

james30ct · 03/23/2016, 04:44 PM

If you're going with corals 3x150 wont cut it on a 150g. I would go with 3x250.

Harry_Y · 03/23/2016, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james30ct

If you're going with corals 3x150 wont cut it on a 150g. I would go with 3x250.

I agree

killagoby · 03/23/2016, 05:28 PM

What kind of corals? SPS, LPS, softies?

cprice · 03/23/2016, 08:12 PM

It will be all SPS and softies. If I put the them on the 150 I would definitely supplement with T5. I was thinking more along the lines of the 16" deep frag tank would be a good place to use them. Good for grow out?

killagoby · 03/23/2016, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cprice

It will be all SPS and softies. If I put the them on the 150 I would definitely supplement with T5. I was thinking more along the lines of the 16" deep frag tank would be a good place to use them. Good for grow out?

I'd say to do LPS or supplement with T5s

sirreal63 · 03/23/2016, 08:27 PM

Is the display still 60x24x24? If so the 150's will work fine, but I would use 10k bulbs.

cprice · 03/23/2016, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killagoby

I'd say to do LPS or supplement with T5s

Whoops! Typed LPS and it autocorrected to SPS. I'm all for the softies and the movement.

cprice · 03/23/2016, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirreal63

Is the display still 60x24x24? If so the 150's will work fine, but I would use 10k bulbs.

Yes it's 60x24x24. I have a hug LED array and a few spare T5s lying around. May try a bug hybrid light. Well see, ill have plenty of time to finalize it while the tank cycles.

cprice · 03/23/2016, 08:31 PM

Huge* big* yay for typing on my phone haha

killagoby · 03/23/2016, 08:35 PM

I'd do LPS supplemented with 4 T5s and 14k Phoenix MH

03/23/2016, 11:21 AM	#1
cprice Moved On Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 313	New to MH lighting question So i just picked up a set of (3) 150W MH lights, reflectors, and ballasts off of the classifieds on here. I bought them simply because it was a great price and I've never had any MH before. So now I have to figure out what to do with them on my new setup. I am currently building a 250+ gal system that has a 150 DT, 75 Gallon Sump, and a 80 gallon frag tank (4'x2'x2'). (Build Thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2559937) I was wondering if I should use the existing LED setup on the DT and use these on the frag tank that will be in the garage. Im not sure where these lights will be most useful. A general question about MH: How does the growth and color on MH with 14k Pheonix bulbs (or similar) compare to the equivalent light on LED or T5? I know this question is debated all the time, BUT im specifically looking for any first hand experience with both lights. Thanks!

03/23/2016, 05:28 PM	#4
killagoby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroe, NJ Posts: 2,150	What kind of corals? SPS, LPS, softies? __________________ How much money did you spend on that rock again?

03/23/2016, 08:27 PM	#7
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Is the display still 60x24x24? If so the 150's will work fine, but I would use 10k bulbs. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

03/23/2016, 08:35 PM	#11
killagoby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroe, NJ Posts: 2,150	I'd do LPS supplemented with 4 T5s and 14k Phoenix MH __________________ How much money did you spend on that rock again?

03/23/2016, 04:44 PM	#2
james30ct Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Groton, Ct Posts: 1,218	If you're going with corals 3x150 wont cut it on a 150g. I would go with 3x250.

03/23/2016, 08:12 PM	#5
cprice Moved On Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 313	It will be all SPS and softies. If I put the them on the 150 I would definitely supplement with T5. I was thinking more along the lines of the 16" deep frag tank would be a good place to use them. Good for grow out?

03/23/2016, 08:31 PM	#10
cprice Moved On Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 313	Huge* big* yay for typing on my phone haha