what size mh to use?

[sir_dudeguy]

Ok, so I'm pretty set on going with mh for my 29g, but what size should be good? Would a single 150w be good enough? Or should I be looking bigger, possibly a single 250w?

Any input would be great!

 

[SweetCoralline1]

I think that should be enough. I would go with the phoenix bulbs if you can. They're great!

 

[SweetCoralline1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcFDxBpwhBk

 

[sir_dudeguy]

Ok that sounds good. Where's the best place to buy bulbs from?

 

[SweetCoralline1]

I would try either marine depot or fishy business or bulk reef supply...

 

[jesusmeza80]

I have a coralife aqualite with a bulb I used for 1 week. It's 150W. Ill sell for $75. Bulb itself was $60. Had it on my 29 gallon before I switched to LED

 

[Coral Dreams]

175 Watt metal halide bulbs for aquariums 16" to 18" in depth

 

[sir_dudeguy]

A dual 175w ballast can't be set to only run one bulb can it? I've got a dual 175w ballast from sunlight supply that I haven't used in like 3 years

 

[dotcommer]

I think that should be enough. I would go with the phoenix bulbs if you can. They're great!

+1, I use them and I think they are great.

 

[buffalobunch]

A dual 175w ballast can't be set to only run one bulb can it? I've got a dual 175w ballast from sunlight supply that I haven't used in like 3 years

Yes it can. My dual ballast had a switch for each light.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

Hm, i'll have to check my ballast again. I dont think it has 2 switches, but we'll see. Gotta find what i did with it when i moved now..

 

[82ndengineer]

I used to run a double 400 watt with only one fixture/bulb. Didn't seem to bother anything at all.

 

[zibba]

If you get a good reflector and ballast, a 150 would be more than sufficient and would save some money on the electric. I run a single 250w over a 36x30x22 cube. More than enough light and spread. A double ended Phoenix is a good choice for that set up but I can't recommend a reflector.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

Are there any specific brands I should or should not get as far the ballast/reflector?

 

[zibba]

Look for an M81 ballast. Will be perfect for the two best 150w bulbs, 14k Phoenix or 20k Radium.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1802877

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2166577

As far as a reflector, you may want to angle for aesthetics depending on your set up.