Switching from LED to Metal Halide

[jefra]

I've decided to switch from LEDs to metal halides. Decided on the Hamilton Bimini Sun fixture. Unsure on wattage though. The 250w is only $30 more than the 150w. Would 250 watts of metal halide be overkill on my long, but shallow nano? (36.0" x 12.0" x 12.0")

Thanks for any help.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've decided to switch from LEDs to metal halides. Decided on the Hamilton Bimini Sun fixture. Unsure on wattage though. The 250w is only $30 more than the 150w. Would 250 watts of metal halide be overkill on my long, but shallow nano? (36.0" x 12.0" x 12.0")

Thanks for any help.

FWIW i'm using a single 250 watt hamilton cebu sun over a 40 breeder which is same length but wider and taller and its working out great. But this fixture comes with 4 T5's as well.

 

[3mm3]

If a lot of acropora and clams I'd go with 250. If LPS and montipora I'd go with 150. Drfosters was having a great sale on halide bulbs.

Edit: just checked the sale is still going.

 

[jefra]

No acros whatsoever. Mostly LPS, zoas, and some montis/stylos. Don't want to fry my existing corals with too much light, but also hard to pass up 100 additional watts for only $30. Especially with how often I upgrade or start a new tank altogether.

 

[3mm3]

No acros whatsoever. Mostly LPS, zoas, and some montis/stylos. Don't want to fry my existing corals with too much light, but also hard to pass up 100 additional watts for only $30. Especially with how often I upgrade or start a new tank altogether.

You could always go with the 250 and just increase the height it sits. May need to put on some type of shade to reduce bleed over though depending on your thoughts.

 

[jefra]

I think that's what I'll do, thanks. Couldn't find info on how adjustable the mounting arm is, but will probably buy a hanging kit too just in case.

Bimini Sun supposedly has visors that reduce light spill, not sure how effective they are.

 

[3mm3]

I think that's what I'll do, thanks. Couldn't find info on how adjustable the mounting arm is, but will probably buy a hanging kit too just in case.

Bimini Sun supposedly has visors that reduce light spill, not sure how effective they are.

I have seen some fellow reefers setups that used custom visors and they worked very well. I'm actually looking to diy something very similar.

 

[mcarroll]

I've decided to switch from LEDs to metal halides. Decided on the Hamilton Bimini Sun fixture. Unsure on wattage though. The 250w is only $30 more than the 150w. Would 250 watts of metal halide be overkill on my long, but shallow nano? (36.0" x 12.0" x 12.0")

Thanks for any help.

Way way way overkill on a 12" deep tank. That's very very shallow.

A 150-watt/175-watt or even a pair of 70-watt bulbs would be enough.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Agree with mcarroll. Is definitely overkill and even 150w may be too much for a 12 inch deep tank. Not sure what the point of going to MH for what you want to keep.

 

[3mm3]

Way way way overkill on a 12" deep tank. That's very very shallow.

A 150-watt/175-watt or even a pair of 70-watt bulbs would be enough.

Totally agree a pair of 70's on that tank would be ideal for an lps setup but they are not made anymore? I don't think 175 are made anymore either..

Also would like to add that most zoanthinds I have come across would not be happy with that little par though.. Been there done that.

 

[mcarroll]

https://www.ushio.com/product/aqualite-metal-halide/
Ushio still appears to make both in 20K and 175 watts in 14K as well. (10K are discontinued for both)

 

[mcarroll]

70 watt fixtures on the other hand....?

 

[3mm3]

70 watt fixtures on the other hand....?

Still hanging onto my 70w setup. Wanted to make a 2.5g tank once before

 

[jefra]

If I buy directly from Hamilton, I can get an electronic, dimmable ballast for $40 more. Does anyone have experience with these? Do they significantly reduce bulb life?

 

[jda]

For 150w HQI (double ended), you are going to want to use M81 ballast - all of the bulbs are made for this spec. Electronic will not drive them right. For 250w HQI (double ended), then M80 ballast is correct.

 

[Centerline]

Way way way overkill on a 12" deep tank. That's very very shallow.

A 150-watt/175-watt or even a pair of 70-watt bulbs would be enough.

Pretty sure that a single 150 would be plenty as well. Used to run them over a bunch of 40 breeders for frags. More than enough light for anything I put in them.

 

[mtraylor]

250 watt

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I say 250w.

 

[Syntax1235]

Why MH if you are not keeping acros? 250 watt on a 12 inch deep tank for softies and lps????? dang, that's a lot of light for corals that don't require it..... How are you going to manage the heat on such a small body of water?

....I'm running MH on a 18o, but I'm keeping lots of acropora, so no bias here :- )

 

[mtraylor]

I totally agree with you. If I had just lps and softies with a shallow tank. I would put a couple a Chinese wifi/app controlled lights over the tank and call it a day. They make lps look amazing!
However Jefra is going to MH and states that they like to make changes etc. allot......so I would go 250 so that the changes ...whatever they are will not be limited to the light. I had lps and zoo's
under 400 watt radiums with my sps and its no issue.