Metal Halide light fixture wattage?

[Cleo642]

When I start my tank I have decided on a Hamilton Cebu light fixture. It's a metal halide/T5 combo. The tank I will get is 150 gallon tall (48*24*30), the fixture two metal halide bulbs. Would 250 watt or 400 watt bulbs be best? This is a picture of the fixture. Is 6-8 watts pet gallon a good recommendation? This will be a tall tank, I want the light to reach the bottom and all corners.

 

[Cleo642]

*6-8 watts per gallon
Typo

 

[Trex]

Wouldn't be too concerned about watts per gallon --- way too many variables that it doesn't take into account.

Personally, I would go with the 250s, and use Radium bulbs. Will give you plenty of light, without being overkill. My 65 (( 24 inches tall )), has a similar fixture over it, can grow SPS on the sandbed.

What do you plan on keeping?

 

[FoD]

If you're going to do SPS, I'd recommend going with the 400W's on a 30" drop tank. 250's are good up to 27" in my experience. If not going SPS heavy, 250's should be good to go.

 

[Cleo642]

Wouldn't be too concerned about watts per gallon --- way too many variables that it doesn't take into account.

Personally, I would go with the 250s, and use Radium bulbs. Will give you plenty of light, without being overkill. My 65 (( 24 inches tall )), has a similar fixture over it, can grow SPS on the sandbed.

What do you plan on keeping?

First, I will start keeping easy like zoa's, mushrooms, etc. Eventually I will put some sps, it will be a mixed reef.

 

[FoD]

Mixed reef should be fine with 250w.

 

[d2mini]

250w. Plenty of power for sps even mounted down low, and less heat than the 400w.
If you plan on running Radiums, don't forget the M80 ballasts.
I heard from Hamilton that those ballasts are backordered, but that's what you need to correctly drive the radiums.

 

[Cleo642]

250w. Plenty of power for sps even mounted down low, and less heat than the 400w.
If you plan on running Radiums, don't forget the M80 ballasts.
I heard from Hamilton that those ballasts are backordered.

Isn't it all part of that fixture? Is not part of that options when you order one, just size, wattage, and color.

 

[d2mini]

There are usually two options for ballasts, electronic or magnetic. You want the magnetic for radiums.
If you don't see the option there you can order direct from Hamilton. All bulbs included.
If you want to be sure you are getting the right setup, PM me and I'll give you my contact's email at Hamilton. Cool guy.