Metal halide for 40 breeder

[ZachR32]

What would you guys recommend for metal halides over a 40b? I'm gunna use one kessil a360 that I already have, but would like to add metal halide into the mix.

 

[Ocelaris]

That doesn't really make any sense. Usually you'll have one point source of light (LED or MH) and then some T5 to supplement. MH doesn't really suit as a "supplement" nor does the kessil, use one or the other and add some T5s. A single 250w bulb with large reflector would work, or 2x 150w. The problem I've always seen with mixing point source and diffuse lighting sources is that the diffuse sources need to be so much closer than the point sources to be effective. So then you end up shading the MH/LED with T5 retrofit kits, or raise the T5s up so that they're basically ineffective and just add to visual appeal.

 

[TexasReefer82]

I agree with Ocelaris. The halide would give poor and uneven distribution of light. I recently started up a new 40b reef tank (mostly SPS) using four t5 bulbs and two LED point fixtures (AI Hydra 26hd's).

Before this I had a Nuvo 38 with a 250watt metal halide over it.

In comparing the two I like the t5/led SO MUCH BETTER! In my experience the halide was such a point source that it caused poor encrustation of frags. The frags would encrust a little bit then encrustation would begin to grow off the rock and actually start to plate out in an effort to capture light from the point source halide. I moved some of these frags into the t5 tank and they completely reversed, growing back down onto the rock and encrusting beautifully.

The t5 give such an even disappeared and intense light that hits the corals from all different angles which drives proper growth form. The additional LED fixtures are purely for shimmer and for Dawn/dusk. I only have them at 20%.

If you wanted to do something similar I'd probably recommend the AI primes in lieu of the hydras 26 for the purpose of supplementing t5.

If your intent on halides, which I could totally understand, you should absolutely go with two 150w bulbs evenly spaced over the tank for good distribution.

 

[Syntax1235]

I agree with Ocelaris. If you want to use MH, a 250 watt bulb with a good reflector at the right height will cover that tank nicely. Tullio at Reefbrite recommends that exact set up at about 16 inches above the tank for ideal coverage. I wouldn't worry about odd encrusting patterns as TexasReefer82 has experienced (his description sounds like very fast and aggressive growth due to some kick a$@ mh lighting)... that's an anomaly... I don't think you'll find anyone else with those issues, especially with a quality reflector at the proper height.

 

[aabjones888]

I use to use a 250 halide over a 40 breeder and it was plenty of light to grow anything. I still use halides and love them.

 

[DSC reef]

If you put 2 150watt or 250watt halides over the 40 breeder that will cover the tank nicely. You can basically use the kessil as a blue supplement or night viewing.

 

[TexasReefer82]

I agree with Ocelaris. If you want to use MH, a 250 watt bulb with a good reflector at the right height will cover that tank nicely. Tullio at Reefbrite recommends that exact set up at about 16 inches above the tank for ideal coverage. I wouldn't worry about odd encrusting patterns as TexasReefer82 has experienced (his description sounds like very fast and aggressive growth due to some kick a$@ mh lighting)... that's an anomaly... I don't think you'll find anyone else with those issues, especially with a quality reflector at the proper height.

I did have good growth. I'd say more particularly for my situation that the bulb was not high enough above the water to give the best distribution. However, with a tank so small it's tough to have the bulb high enough without spilling tons of light outside the tank. And that's a common problem with putting a halide over any tank with a small footprint.

I'm certainly a fan of halides and wouldn't steer anyone away from them per se. I'd only say that for smaller tanks there may be better options.

 

[Syntax1235]

If you put 2 150watt or 250watt halides over the 40 breeder that will cover the tank nicely. You can basically use the kessil as a blue supplement or night viewing.

Agreed there may be a better option. I think it comes down to the reflector as well, an appropriately sized reflector will help with light spill, a bumber of sorts could be beneficial.

 

[Ocelaris]

Since it's a 40 breeder, a 36" long tank, a single metal halide will be hard to fill it properly. Like someone mentioned before, two 150hqi bulbs would be fantastic. There are plenty of them floating around used. If I was on a shoestring budget I'd look for one of those with t5 or similar fluorescent supplements.

 

[A. grandis]

What would you guys recommend for metal halides over a 40b? I'm gunna use one kessil a360 that I already have, but would like to add metal halide into the mix.

I would sell the Kessil or put it away.
2 X 175w or a single 250W halide pendant would do the job.
If you want to use some T5s it's gonna be prime.
No need anything else really. You're gonna have the tank of your life!
Just choose the spectrum and wattage you want and never look back.
Giesemann Spectra or Hamilton Cebu fixtures.
Grandis.

 

[aabjones888]

I would sell the Kessil or put it away.
2 X 175w or a single 250W halide pendant would do the job.
If you want to use some T5s it's gonna be prime.
No need anything else really. You're gonna have the tank of your life!
Just choose the spectrum and wattage you want and never look back.
Giesemann Spectra or Hamilton Cebu fixtures.
Grandis.

What he said^, i did the 250 single over one of my old tanks and loved it!