Darren88 Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 i was thinking about upgrading my t5 lights to a metal halide but is 516 watts too much for a 120 gal tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcgd Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 i was thinking about upgrading my t5 lights to a metal halide but is 516 watts too much for a 120 gal tank? I would do 2 x 150 or 175 watt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morphine Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Depending on what your doing? Planted ? Coral? I would thinkg 175 would be a little low for plants, as 516 would be alot it would take some nice fert dosing and balancing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Hey Darren, I have a 48x22x17 reef tank and I am running dual 250W HQI with the Galaxy ballast and the Lumenmax Elite Pendants. I am using the Phoenix 14K bulbs as well. I have the pendants suspended about 14" above the tank, thats the top of the pendant. I am finding this to bee too much punch as my zoanthids and some LPS have bleached a little, but if I put them at the bottom they are okay. I am going to swap my Lumenmax pendants for the new Hamilton Cayman sun which should spread my light out a little more. Right now my pendants are 10" deep so it really concentrates the light. I think on a 120 a MH would work great you just have to be careful what your using. Go with a shallower fixture and be able to adjust the pendant height if you need to. I used to be a big fan of T5HO but after going to MH I havent looked back. I plan on adding and LED supplement this winter to add to the amazing color "pop" the Phoenix bulbs already have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcgd Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 I'm sure you could grow most everything with 2x175 but you could probably go 2x250 but getting it balanced could be a nightmare. You could just raise is a couple feet though. Depends how much co2 and ferts you wanna pound it with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 I use 2x150W MH plus 2x54W T5HO on my 120. The MHs are only on for about 6 hrs in the middle of the day, though. Love that shimmer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubr0ke Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 I have a deep tank and I was thinking of adding a MH fixture so could some of you post pictures of your planted tanks running MH's?.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren88 Posted May 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 yeah it will be on a freshwater planted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Here's mine. Apologies for the reflections in the crappy pic, and the totally overgrown plants... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcgd Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I'm thinking of using MH as well on my 165 gallon that is 22" deep. But the cost will likely be upwards of $5-600 and I can DIY a LED fixture for around $700. No bulbs to change, way more powerful, less power used and I can still get the shimmer. Plus that fully fading sunrise/ sunset would be nice. MH would be quick and easy though. T5H0 work, but they just look so flat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren88 Posted May 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 yeah i found a descent one on ebay for cheapish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewels Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 The high light myth , , , based on a theory which many have proved not the case..So its kind of an old way of thinking but many still use these methods.. I totally agree but all we can do is try to change their minds one post at a time..... I would do 2 x 150 or 175 watt. I'm sure you could grow most everything with 2x175 but you could probably go 2x250 but . I was thinking of adding a MH fixture I'm thinking of using MH as well MH would be quick and easy though. T5H0 work, but they just look so flat. the problem i have is when you make these statements is that You forgot to check on your shoes today. I saw them over there , , , on the other side of the fence. -ham- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubr0ke Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 hahahaha just creeping in the shadows...ubr0ke makes me soooooo mad imma show em....hahaha... take my words out of context if it makes you feel even... par measures light not fixture type..so i dont even know what your argument is here...ada mh's are medium light at best....I never mentioned anything about brand/watts/distance so in knowing what i preach why assume high light.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren88 Posted May 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2011 Shipping Payment Returns Other Info 48" Metal Halide / T5 608WThis MH 48" fixture is The light for saltwater / reef setups. A space saving combo unit combines 2x 250W HQI metal halide, 2x 54W Actinic Blue T5 HO lamps, and 3x Bluemoon LED in one single unit. This unit features external HQI controller, removable cooling fan, and anodized aluminum housing. Individual power cords and power switches maximizes usability and timer ready! Extendable brackets reaches a maximum length of 52.00" Features:Dimensions - 47.75” x 11.00” x 3.25” Dimensions w/brackets - 50.50” x 11.00” x 5.25” Total wattage: 608W Supports 2x 250W HQI lamps Supports 2x 54W T5 lamps Supports 3x Bluemoon LED Individual power cords for each function Quick Disconnect external ballasts Non-corrosive powder coated aluminum housing Removable cooling fan Mounting brackets extends up to 52" Glass splash guard Highly polished reflector CE Certified Listing includes: 1x MH/T5 fixture and all ballasts 2x MH 250W 15000K (Free Item) 2x 54W T5 Actinic Blue (Free Item) 3x 54W Bluemoon LED (Free Item) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren88 Posted May 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2011 theres the specs i will change the actinic blue t5 to a life glo to make it more freshwater but will that be good about 8 inches above tank level Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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