Any recommendations on lighting changes

[Andyf30]

Hey guys,

I recently got a job/internship for the summer that pays pretty well and I can finally afford some gear upgrades (the first of which was an mp10 i got last week after wanting one for 3 years). I want to upgrade lighting because the t5 really isnt doing it for me color or growth wise, and wanted to see if I could get a metal halide set up figured out, the issue is that hanging from the ceiling isnt an option as the ceiling is very high, and i dont want to create heat issues with a canopy. Does anyone have any recommendations for a way I could configure this? Tank is 36x18x18 so its an awkward fit as far as deciding on one or two halides as well. Any help or ideas?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[risin]

Tough to give a solid recommendation without seeing the space. Assuming it is against a wall, you can use a shelf bracket or something similar to hang it from, Gooseneck type bracket, hanging bar across the top ( kind of like a hood with no skin)...

The packed halide fixtures often come with feet too.

 

[Andyf30]

It is against the wall. I've been thinking about brackets like that I just have no clue where the studs are in my wall. I'd have to ask my parents

 

[rogergolf66]

1 halide hung about 30 inches over the tank will cover 30-33 in of tank u can grow sps under. I have a single halide over my 48 in tank and have sps in the center 33 inches with good growth

 

[Andyf30]

Should i just go with a 250w?

 

[rogergolf66]

That's what I use. 20 radium bulb

 

[Andyf30]

Hmm this could work out perfectly actually. I was planning on rescaping and a nice central island scape would be good for the lighting and id have room on the sand to put my much larger lps colonies. Thanks Roger.

 

[rogergolf66]

Anytime. For the record a single halide is recommended to cover 24x24