Maybe switching from LEDs to Metal Halides

[oshanickreef]

I have been running 2 gen3 radions for my sps tank and I just don't like the growth or color of the corals. Anyone have any ideas where I could get a very low profile metal halide that looks nice and works well? I like the radions because of their sleek size but I'm just afraid that my corals could be in better hands with MH

 

[jdraider75]

Giesemann should work. But kinda spendy. Hamilton Cubusun are not low profile but that's another one to consider. I just picked up a Giesemann Spectra should be in tomorrow. Looks like the best looking halide light fixture you can get. I picked mine up used but Coral Vue and I think Aquarium specialty does too.

 

[Hamilton Tech]

I have been running 2 gen3 radions for my sps tank and I just don't like the growth or color of the corals. Anyone have any ideas where I could get a very low profile metal halide that looks nice and works well? I like the radions because of their sleek size but I'm just afraid that my corals could be in better hands with MH

Your coral growth, especially SPS, will be much better under metal halides. We hear this often from hobbyists.

What about 250 Watt Cayman Sun HQI pendants?

Pair it up with our new 20K HQI lamp which customers tell us look just like Phoenix and the color and coral growth will be amazing.

 

[Perth_reefer]

I have been running 2 gen3 radions for my sps tank and I just don't like the growth or color of the corals. Anyone have any ideas where I could get a very low profile metal halide that looks nice and works well? I like the radions because of their sleek size but I'm just afraid that my corals could be in better hands with MH

What are your tank dimensions? It sounds like you either don't have enough Radion fixtures or have the settings incorrect. There are plenty of people out there having success with Radions so they do work well if applied correctly.
If you're dead set on MH and want a good looking fixture then the Giesemann Spectra is your only real option that I've seen, 99% of MH fixtures aren't sleek and if visable take away from the beauty of the tank.

 

[jdraider75]

Or the Giesemann Infiniti. The spectra is single end bulbs Infiniti is double end. Depending on which you prefer. I think they are best looking halide combo fixture on market. Hamilton and Reef Brite have nice fixtures but not as nice looking.

 

[Hamilton Tech]

If you're dead set on MH and want a good looking fixture then the Giesemann Spectra is your only real option that I've seen, 99% of MH fixtures aren't sleek and if visable take away from the beauty of the tank.

The light I presented above is only 5" tall and makes a tank look amazing. We've even sold several to Australian customers.

Please don't discount the performance of a light fixture, the purchase price of the light and the quick availability of parts should the need ever arise when making a buying decision.

Happy reefing!

 

[Perth_reefer]

Or the Giesemann Infiniti. The spectra is single end bulbs Infiniti is double end. Depending on which you prefer. I think they are best looking halide combo fixture on market. Hamilton and Reef Brite have nice fixtures but not as nice looking.

Completely forgot about the Infiniti, great looking fixture too.

The light I presented above is only 5" tall and makes a tank look amazing. We've even sold several to Australian customers.

Please don't discount the performance of a light fixture, the purchase price of the light and the quick availability of parts should the need ever arise when making a buying decision.

Happy reefing!

I understand the light is only 5" tall but having 2 or 3 of those hanging over your tank, plus using supplimented T5 if desired doesn't compare to the sleekness of a high end fixture such as the Infiniti or Spectra.
For me, like the OP, having a good looking light hanging above the tank is as important as what's in the tank, it's a package. Some people don't mind having a train wreck hanging above their tank though and that's fine. It all depends what you want to achieve.

 

[slief]

Another interesting option is Reef Brites new hyrbid fixture. It incorperates a specially designed metal halide reflector with LED's. It's a pretty slick setup and they put a lot of R&D into their halide reflector design to keep it compact while also having great spread.
http://www.reefbrite.com/reefbrite-halide-hybrid/

 

[jdraider75]

I would like to see one of those reef bites in person. They look pretty nice.

 

[grigsy]

Your coral growth, especially SPS, will be much better under metal halides. We hear this often from hobbyists.

What about 250 Watt Cayman Sun HQI pendants?

Pair it up with our new 20K HQI lamp which customers tell us look just like Phoenix and the color and coral growth will be amazing.

+1

For a few years, all I had on my tank was two Cayman Sun 250W HQI Pendants with Phoenix bulbs and I agree - the growth and color was very good. Switched those out for Radions only to switch back about a year later to halides.

For a 4 ft tank, two Cayman Sun pendants are a good lighting choice and with the right bulb you wont need anything else.

I still am using the M80 ballasts from them. They are now 10 years old and running great.

 

[jporter]

Another interesting option is Reef Brites new hyrbid fixture. It incorperates a specially designed metal halide reflector with LED's. It's a pretty slick setup and they put a lot of R&D into their halide reflector design to keep it compact while also having great spread.
http://www.reefbrite.com/reefbrite-halide-hybrid/

I'm using this light and really like it. JP

 

[markandamb]

Wow I'm thinking MHs as well so many decisions

 

[Bpb]

Even the sleekest option which is the Giesemann will look like a spaceship compared to the radions. Led panels are just smaller than MH units. Not many ways around that. Properly designed metal halide reflectors have to be large. The above pictured Hamilton reflectors are my favorite design. I use a comparable make/model and the spread and coverage is fantastic. But you just have to accept the large size

 

[Perth_reefer]

Even the sleekest option which is the Giesemann will look like a spaceship compared to the radions. Led panels are just smaller than MH units. Not many ways around that. Properly designed metal halide reflectors have to be large. The above pictured Hamilton reflectors are my favorite design. I use a comparable make/model and the spread and coverage is fantastic. But you just have to accept the large size

I agree that MH is going to be bigger than LED, however that doesn't have to be an issue if it's a good looking design. The Giesemann Spectra and infiniti are very good looking units IMO and definitely add something to the look of the tank, they also have built in T5 remember. Most stand alone fixtures just don't look good and if you want to suppliment with T5 it can get even uglier over the tank. I'm happy to be proved wrong though if someone can show me a picture of a tank running good looking MH fixtures!