250W Metal Halides

[Raven1645]

I found some really cheap HQI Metal halides. They're either 150 or 250W, and either 10000, 14000 or 20000K.

My tank is going to be 60cm high.
Are these lights too powerful and will they give problems with the temperature of the tank? I won't have a sump so the temperature distribution will be slightly worse than when there is a sump. I will have very strong flow though.
If they are fine, which one should I choose?

Thanks!

 

[Raven1645]

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[sahin]

Go for the 250w for a deep tank like that. 150w will not be enough. You can go for a 20k no problem. Just make sure the actual bulb is a good brand like radium etc. Temperatures issues all depend on size of tank and the local surrounding temperature.

 

[Blown 346]

Depending on the type of corals you want to keep would determine the wattage you go with.

250's would be the least I would go with. How long is the tank? That will determine on how many halides you will need.

Temperature can go up. I would reccomend fans to help remove heat from the haildes themselves. Waterflow in the tank wont help heat escape or keep temps down too much. Evaporation is what will help remove heat for the tank. Color temperature all depends on if the halides are going to be the only light, and what you like. I myself like the 14K bulbs.

 

[Raven1645]

Depending on the type of corals you want to keep would determine the wattage you go with.

250's would be the least I would go with. How long is the tank? That will determine on how many halides you will need.

Temperature can go up. I would reccomend fans to help remove heat from the haildes themselves. Waterflow in the tank wont help heat escape or keep temps down too much. Evaporation is what will help remove heat for the tank. Color temperature all depends on if the halides are going to be the only light, and what you like. I myself like the 14K bulbs.

The tank is going to be 2,5 metres long.
I'll probably keep corals in just one corner of about 125*50 cm (so half of the length).
Another concern is the cost because 250/400w all cost quite some money per year.
I'm open to any suggestion so if you think I'd have to go with other light, or just partially, please tell me.

 

[Raven1645]

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