I am building an in wall tank (120 gallon 48"x24"x24") and I would like to buy a MH with T5 actinic light fixture. I was looking into retro fitting lights but the reflectors I wanted to use would sit too close to duct work and pipes that run above my tank. So I am looking into MH and T5 fixtures that are more streamline. an suggestion?
Which MH lights would be best for in wall tank
- Thread starter mchammer
- Start date
wayne in norway
New member
That would save you a ton of issues with heat buildup.
ganjero
saiperchémibatteilcorazon
Here we go. LED are not for everybody plus their longevity is not proven in this field. A well planned system should not have heat issues with any kind of light, I have 400w MH and never had heat issues or use a chiller or AC in the tank room.
IMO nothing looks better and more natural than Metal Halides.
IMO nothing looks better and more natural than Metal Halides.
T Diddy
Happy to be here
I agree that the most natural looking route is MH. I used to have them myself. They are proven to grow corals, come in several color temperature variations, and give an awesome natural shimmer that only a single point source of light can. Perhaps my system wasn't well-planned, but I did have heat issues with the water temp, the air temp in my fish room, the heat coming off of the fixtures themselves scared me. I suppose these things could be avoided, but I personally don't even like halogen floor lamps for the same reasons...they strike me as a fire waiting to happen.
As for the LEDs, the longevity has been more than proven, regardless of the application. All you have to do is keep them dry (just like your MH). The LEDs consume less energy, produce virtually no heat by comparison, don't require yearly bulb replacement, are 100% customizable for color temperature/ dawn-dusk cycles, grow corals quite well, and still give off a great relatively natural looking shimmer.
LEDs are not for everybody. OP should have a look at a MH tank and a LED lit tank for comparison. Based on OP's concern about clearance above the tank, LEDs came straight into my mind because I had the same issue. Sorry for the long post. :beachbum:
ganjero
saiperchémibatteilcorazon
I made emphasis that it has not been proven on this field, if you have data with PAR measurements of LED over the year please share it. LED are proven to last years (not as many as initially claimed), use less electricity but I have not seen PAR measurements on a LED that have been running for at least 3-5 years. Many MH and fluorescent bulb will last 7-9 years before they burnt but PAR goes down well before. If you remember T5s were supposed to last 24-30 months, now some people are changing them every 6 months.
As for the OP, the lowest profile fixture that I can think of with good reflectors and t5 is the Maristar from Sunlight Supply. The Outer Orbit has a lower profile but it’s less efficient spreading the light.
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I have 18" from the top of the tank frame to the bottom of the lowest pipe (Central Air return pipe). I didn't want to make an LED setup or purchase one because of cost and over time I'm sure the cost will go down. I only have experience with T5 lighting so I do not know how hot MH lights get. I'm sure I can fit the lights in the space but how hot with the top of the reflectors get? Do I have enough room? what if I use cement board to cover the pipes would this help?
P.S. Thank you for the suggestions
P.S. Thank you for the suggestions
fishguy597
Member
18" is plenty for just about anything you want to do.
