Type of metal Halide

[John Hartford]

My son and I are starting a 210 reef tank, a lot larger than the 125reef that we got. We currently have had great success with our orbit 6*96 72" power compact. I have heard and read in numerous articles, that metal halide is the way to go. And from what I have read I agree, I believe that we will definately need a metal halide for our 210 gallon reef tank, as we wish to hold some LPS, but mostly SPS corals, so if anyone can tell me a good metal halide that they recommend I would greatly appreciate. What are some lights that you people use? And have you had good success with these lights? What are some good links to look at for lights. I received this email from Hamilton technology about this light in particular, tell me what you think about the light, here is what the email said.....

"John,


Thank you for your email. Since you are looking to get 6-8 watts per gallon for your 210 gallon tank, I would recommend the deluxe lighting

fixture with 3-400 watt metal halide and fluorescent lighting ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ either compact, T5 or VHO ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ to supplement the metal halides. The most important

aspect is the halide lighting itself but the fluorescents will add color to the fish and corals and give you an attractive dawn to dusk effect.

I can offer to you a 6ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ deluxe 3-400 watt Hamilton True 10K Metal Halide system with 2-80 watt actinic T5 HO bulbs for $975. This would come

with all bulbs and ballasts, two fans, 2-80 watt T5 HO fluorescent actinics, spider light MH bulb reflectors and splash guard lens. The black

aluminum hood measures 72ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ x 11.5ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ x 6.5ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚. There are three power cords ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ one operates the T5 bulbs, one operates the two outside MH bulbs,

one operates the inside MH bulb. If you wish to suspend the unit above the tank, you can request eye hooks to be installed at no additional charge.

We make high quality products and offer a year warranty on all that system. The bulbs have a pro-rated warranty of a year.

If you have more questions or wish to order, please let me know. "

 

[unsane]

Sounds like a decent deal to me. You may be able to get by w/just 3 x 250 watt MH instead of the 400 watters. It all depends on the depth of your tank and coral depth.

 

[hans1976]

John,
I think the 210 is 29" deep, so if that be the case, you are better off with 400's. But then again, it depends on what you are going to put in your tank. If you are going softies (mushrooms, zoo's, frogspawn, etc) then you shouldn't need MH. If you are going to add clams and SPS, then MH is the better option. Are you getting HQI bulbs?


I just got a unit similar to yours (250's instead of 400's and made of oak instead of the black). Not a bad unit although I have already had 1 light burn out (after 6 weeks of use). I am waiting to hear what they are going to do for me.

Also you might want to talk to them about the direction the lense comes out. Each unit is custom built. I didn't know any better so they built mine to have the lense come out on the right side (which happens to put it directly into my wall). So i have to take the unit down (90+ lbs) to change a bulb.