Calling MH experts

[JoshH]

Previously, I had a similar sized tank (60" x 30" x 24"), and I used 2 x XM 250W single ended to light it. Had great growth. Given that your tank is shallower, I expect 150W to be OK. I would use as large a reflector as you can get.

I am using 150W Phoenix DE with an HQI ballast (ballast is pretty old) on a much smaller frag tank 14" high, but I am not getting as much par as I would like though. It is still in the burn-in process so I hope par will improve.

Thank you for the info! What kind of par are you getting with the 150? Given my coral selections I don't think I need the super high par numbers most strive for but it's good to know either way especially with such a wide tank.

 

[vanpire]

Thank you for the info! What kind of par are you getting with the 150? Given my coral selections I don't think I need the super high par numbers most strive for but it's good to know either way especially with such a wide tank.

I am getting about 300 Par 6" below the water surface. I am using an old coralife reflector so that might not be the best. My guess is that the light is still burning in. i did order an XM 150W 10K DE. So I am going to check in about a week when it arrives.

 

[Hot2na]

"6500k bulbs are very yellow almost orangeish. " ....and so is the SUN !

 

[jda]

The look will be similar to what you see when you go snorkeling in the ocean... only you will have more colorful corals that most places where people snorkel in the US.

 

[vanpire]

If u are less concerned with color and more concerned about growth, does 6.5K Mh bulbs provide noticeable growth difference than 10K MH bulbs, all other things equal?

 

[jda]

Yes, usually. They also have more output, so you can use them over large areas with less wattage.

 

[Skibum]

This is kind of an experiment for me. I'm not very happy with my Acro Growth under G4's which I've had for years. I've measured 350-400 par in the middle of the tank, 250 at the bottom corners. I've cranked up alkalinity, increased flow, managed nutrients. For almost 2 years, most of my Acro growth has been anemic. Other things, Stylos, gonis, duncan, montipora are growing great. I have some garf bonsai, miyagi tort, and some other acros that are growing just OKAY. As I posted previously, I want to have the acros grow out of the water so I can keep an orange spotted filefish. I just don't think the radions are going to get me there. Sorry for the crappy pics ;-)

 

[naterealbig]

Definitely want to see pics once you get it set up. Bet you get some really cool colors out of the coral with the 6500K MH + LED combo.

 

[Skibum]

Definitely want to see pics once you get it set up. Bet you get some really cool colors out of the coral with the 6500K MH + LED combo.

I have to build a hood first, then I need to figure out how to vent, what goes in etc. I currently have a Hamilton CEBU sun with 4x24 W T5 and a magnetic ballast. My plan is to make a solid wood hood suspended from the ceiling. I will then need to mount the Hamilton, and the g4's on the sides. It won't be pretty on the inside, but as long as I can hide it I'll be happy. My wife has been complaining about the light spilling into the room from my AquaIllumination fixture anyway. I'm looking forward to it, should be a fun project.