What Size/Watt Metal Halide MH?

[Jon770]

I have a 75 reef with PCs (4x65), and wanted to upgrade to halides. I was considering either 2x175 or 2x250. I have mostly softies at the moment, and I'm not looking to get too much into SPS...but I'm sure I will eventually add a few. What should I get?

Also, if I get 15k bulbs, is there still a need to add actinics (whether they are PC or VHO)? If 15k wouldn't give me a 'blue' enough look, what about 20k?

I only ask b/c if I can do without putting extra fixtures/bulbs in my canopy, I would prefer that...

 

[jgoodrich71]

2x175 should be plenty. As far as 15 K having enough blue, that's more of a personal preference. But, I would keep your PCs on there also. It shouldn't be hard to fit them all in a canopy.

 

[Jon770]

It actually might be hard to fit it...I have a storebought hood made by Current (see link). It's about 8" wide...so it would be tough to squeeze both in there with enough space for light to reach the tank.

http://www.current-usa.com/products/satellite.html

 

[jgoodrich71]

Yeah, it would probably be hard to fit. Again, it would not be necessary.

Just my 2 cents, but you could pull the bulbs and ballast from that fixture and still be able to use them. I like not having to run the halide all the time to see in my tank.

 

[Blazer88]

I have a 14K on my 65 and I still like to run actinics. I only keep the MH on about 8 hours a day with the VHO's on for about 10. I would try and make the PC's fit if possible just so you have more possibilities in the future.

 

[Jon770]

The only real advantage I see to keeping extra actinics (assuming I get the same/similar bluish color with a 15k or 20k MH bulb) would be to create a dusk/dawn effect.

Any other reason?

 

[jasper24]

I agree that 175's would be plenty. I think that a lot of folks go over the top with lighting. I have an Aqualight Pro 150W 14K Phoenix W 2 x 65 W Actinics) over my 40 Breeder and I have to almost hide some of my softies under and behind rocks. The 14K is a nice blue / white but I only run my MH 8 hours and turn my actinics on 2 hours before and after for my viewing pleasure!

 

[jgoodrich71]

To be able to see in the tank without the halide. When I am going to be doing something in the tank, I will turn off the halide half to one hour before. That way I don't wory about burning myself (done that before) or just having to work around a hot bulb.

I run VHOs 12 hrs a day and halide 7 hrs per day. If I only had halides, I would only be able to "enjoy" my tank 7 hrs per day.

 

[Jon770]

OK...so I will either find a way to include my current PC setup, or will add some other form of actinic to the new MH retrofit.

Any ideas on the 14k/15k vs. the 20k? Is the 20 too blue? I want the most natural looking color, but still want the pop created by actinics...

 

[Burgman]

Hi,

I have a 75 gallon with two 175W MH's. The 10,000K's produce a white light. The 15,000K's produce a bluish white light and the 20,000K's product a blue light. I have the 15,000K's and I will go back to the 10,000K's on the next round of bulbs. The 15,000K's are too blue for my taste. The 03 bulbs for PC /VHO will provide the POP you want.

Dave