MH opinion

walkerbrody · Jun 22, 2011

I run 2 400w 20k mh on my 110 without a chiller. I have 2 fans in the canopy. I keep my house at 73-74 and my tank never gets above 79.

Striike · Jun 22, 2011

Thank you everyone. My original question was answered, but I think I found something better than my first intention. I'll be ordering the LED next month.

H@rry · Jun 22, 2011

Keep us posted on your results. I can see myself making the conversion in the next couple of years.

ironman · Jun 22, 2011

Something to watch for with the fans, I tried using fans when my chiller stopped working and very quickly noticed the humidity increase drastically. That doesnt sound like a huge deal, but when everything metal in the house begins to rust it becomes an issue! LOL! Just watch things closely if you use fans.

Striike · Jun 23, 2011

In case anyone else is curious.

SWC Skimmer

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-filtration/42108-led-pre-order.html

jason.tammy · Jun 28, 2011

I run 3x400w MH over the 180 and 2x250w over the 50gal frag tank on the other side of the wall.I have two fans mounted in the hood one blowing out and one in over the water.My temp has not got over 80 and I also have fans mounted on the frag tank in the back.I think the circulation of air is key to keep the heat from building up.I can not believe you wasted a good beverage like that [email protected]

H@rry · Jun 28, 2011

jason.tammy said:
I can not believe you wasted a good beverage like that [email protected]

As it turned out, I happened to have another one in the fridge! :feel_good:

Tomoko Schum · Jun 28, 2011

I would switch to LED's if its color rendering ability improve a bit more. While green pops and some colors look great under LED, the current LED fixtures still have a problem with some colors such as pink. Every pink corals look either brown or dull. Some manufacturers, ecoxotic and Kotobuki, are adding red/magenta LED bulbs to enhance photosynthesis of zoothanthella and aquatic plants. Hopefully this will improve the color rendering ability, too.

jason.tammy · Jun 28, 2011

I love my LEDs but still waiting on the new to where off and the cost to come down.The latest fixture I got is very cool.It retails for about $350-$370.00.I really like to adjustability and the built in reastat fan that only comes on as needed id very nice.Being able to control the output of each color allows you to decide how you want the tank to be lighted.I am fixing to do a new tank build for Tammy's propagation and set it up in the living room and will most likely go all LED's on it.I still am not sure if they have the ability to grow sps as well as MH lighting.Just my thoughts.
Jason

Striike · Jul 15, 2011

Just ordered mine today. 2 units with shipping was $680, which is comparable to a MH fixture. These don't have the bells and whistles some of the others have like dimmer control, and being able to adjust the light spectrum with your computer. My live stock will have to live without sunrise, sunset, storm, and moon cycle simulations, as those units get to $2k very quickly. However, as long as the fixture lasts as long as advertised, I should save a significant amount in the long run. These do not have a tank mount kit available, so I am forced to put my canopy back on.

Striike · Jul 20, 2011

Just got them in today, along with my ReefKeeper lite. After 10 hours of re-configuring my aquarium everything is finally set up. The lights look pretty, but I obviously can't gauge them until I get everything acclimated and there is some time for growth. I'll start a new thread when it comes time for my "review" on these lights, since MH opinion is no longer relevant.