Metal Halide questions

[bprice]

After visiting some awesome looking tanks in the last few weeks, I have decided to upgrade from compact flourescents to metal halide lighting. Are used metal halide systems very reliable (i.e. how long has anyone been using theirs before the ballast went out?). Also, I have a 5 foot long tank and I was wondering if I should get a 4 or 6 foot fixture, since 60" ones are pretty rare.
Thanks,

Bruce

 

[Nanook]

The metal halide lamps need to be replaced at least annually. If you keep them longer than that the spectrum shifts and it can adversely affect your corals.

As for the ballasts, they can last for many, many years without problems. The key is to keep your bulbs changed timely and to acclimate your corals to new bulbs carefully to avoid coral bleaching.

 

[Lost His Marbles Name]

Keep your ballast well ventilated and keep dust from clogging the vents. If you have ballast with fans be sure to check them. I have seen to many ballast blow up or catch fire because the fans go out and the get hot then bad things happen. If you get a ballast with out fans you don't have to worry but keep them in a ventilated spot from getting too hot and you will have many years of good luck and good looking corals.

 

[bprice]

Metal Halide

Metal Halide

Thanks for the info so far. It sounds like a used metal halide setup in good condition should last for a long time. Would a 48" fixture work alright over a 60" tank?

 

[Reeferhead]

I have a 175 watt ballast on my frag tank that is over 12 years old. Works like a champ, its been part of at least five different setups.

 

[Lost His Marbles Name]

Re: Metal Halide

Re: Metal Halide

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11883839#post11883839 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bprice
Thanks for the info so far. It sounds like a used metal halide setup in good condition should last for a long time. Would a 48" fixture work alright over a 60" tank?

It depends how much lighting you want. How many light and what are the wattages in the 48" fixture. I would try it out.

 

[latazyo]

I'd do the 48" fixture because there would only be 6" on each side

 

[spongebobby]

I have a very nice 48 in. light for sale if your interested. Shoot me a PM if you need details.

 

[Jah2707]

I have a 36 inch light over my 48 inch tank and i don't see any problems. The mh are at the ends of the fixture so they spread better. It is a hamilton set up. So I would think a 48 over over 60 inches should be fine.