Thinking about changing to MH lighting

[Bbarton908]

Right now I'm running LEDs and 10k on my 29 gallon. Thinking of changing to a MH setup but not sure yet. If anyone has any suggestions that'd be great. Thank you

 

[stlcard]

do you have an Auto top off setup to your tank?

 

[Bbarton908]

No I don't I just manually do it everyday.

 

[sucker_fish]

I ran a 250 w SE mh in one of those spider reflectors over my biocube for a while, it worked pretty well.

 

[MPDBullitt]

i ran a 175w in a batwing reflector on a 29 for a year with great results. Reefersedge owns it if you are interested in purchasing it.

 

[Bbarton908]

I'm just looking for a new lighting setup. I was thinking about MH because I've heard good things but I've also heard good things about LEDs. My LEDs and t5 has been working fine I'm just looking for a change. Either new LEDs or something. Mine also looks really rigged and it really is. It gets the job done but it looks pretty ugly. Just wondering about the whole LEDs vs MH argument. I've read great things about both.

 

[ReefersEdge]

I have that 175w fixture mpd was referring to. Id be willing to sell it, I also am a carpenter and could build you a nice hood for it.

 

[stlcard]

I'm just looking for a new lighting setup. I was thinking about MH because I've heard good things but I've also heard good things about LEDs. My LEDs and t5 has been working fine I'm just looking for a change. Either new LEDs or something. Mine also looks really rigged and it really is. It gets the job done but it looks pretty ugly. Just wondering about the whole LEDs vs MH argument. I've read great things about both.

yeah. as you will find more reading. theres die hard "MH haters LED lovers" and vis versa.

Lighting is pretty subjective to the situation and the user. I ran t5s for awhile and switched to LEDs about 3 months ago. Im glad i did. I like the look of LED better and prefer it as it allows for sunrise sunset with dimming. Ive got pretty good growth, but nothing amazing. Colors seem good.

alot of people think the "technology is not there yet". I dont really have an opinion on that. Im the type of person that prefers trial by error over constantly evaluating others experience and reviews.

evaluate your pros and cons and dont over think it. otherwise you will be constantly switching back and forth between lighting methods which alot of people are doing right now. IMO Constant lighting changes are what creates issues with peoples tanks, not the method of lighting.

 

[Bbarton908]

Decided against MH and got nice LEDs. I got 13 rapid LEDs 7 blue 2 UV and 4 white. It's made 100% difference. I just read the rule of thumb that's 3 watts per gallon. That would put me needing 87 watts. I have 36 watts now, so would I need 87 watts? After seeing how the 36w looks, 87 seems kind of overkill. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[stlcard]

The 3 watt per gal rule is old and a guideline for mh or t5. Not the same for led. Is your fixture dimable? LEDs are way more powerful than people first anticipate so acclimating is crucial to prevent bleaching.

 

[Bbarton908]

No their not dimmable but I've had it on for 3 days and the corals are loving it so far. No signs if too much lighting. At least not yet haha but that's a relief because I really didn't want to buy another fixture

 

[stlcard]

Sounds like your off to a good start with led. Just keep a watchful eye on them all. If you start to see signs of bleaching raise the fixture or cut back on the photoperiod time.