MH on nano

[LBCBJ]

I have an 18 gallon nano, 20 inches tall, with a fixture 4 inches from the top of the aquarium. I plan on replacing one of the PC's @ 36 watts with a MH. I want to keep mostly clams and hard corals. So, I cant decide if I should go with 150 watts or 250. I would like 250 but I wonder if that would be too much or if it would generate too much heat. I would appreciate any input.

 

[LBCBJ]

Also, what is the best color bulb for clams, i.e. 10,000K, 20,000K, etc.

 

[LBCBJ]

Anyone?

 

[sushi chef]

I think 250 W MH on a 18 gallon is a little extreme. 150 should be enough even if you are keeping clams and hard coral. I would think that you may have heat issues, but I'm not sure; 18 gallons of water may be heated a little by the MH. You said you were planning on replacing one of your PCs, does that mean you will be running a MH alongside more PCs?

20000K are more blue, but I've heard that corals may grow slower compared to a 10000K. Not sure if that's true though.

 

[LBCBJ]

Yes, I'll have one 36 watt PC beside it.

 

[LBCBJ]

Other opinions?

 

[Yinger]

14k... best coloration and good growth. 20k is too blue and 10k is too white.

 

[Andrew]

Got with a 14k 70 or 150 watt

 

[Yam]

IMO, 150W with a 14k halide.

 

[LBCBJ]

Whats a really good brand of 150 watt 14k bulb?

 

[Yam]

Pheonix

 

[LBCBJ]

I'm purchasing my outfit from hellolights.com and they dont carry, but do carry Ushio, Hamilton, XM, and Coralife. Which out of these makes the best 14k-15K?

 

[TimFountain]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7449238#post7449238 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LBCBJ
Other opinions?

14K 70W would look awesome.

 

[mikekman]

Hey, why not use T5's instead of a MH. That might be something you should think about.

You wouldn't have to worry about heat issues.