Help - Power compact or Metal Halide

[falcon]

Can anyone advice me of what I should get PC or MH? I have a 120galon, planted tank - 60"x18"x26" and what wattage would be optimal?

Thanks in advance

[DIYMatt]

First, what is your budget? Then, you should decide what type of tank you want and waht you want to grow in the tank. If you are going to add CO2 and grow high light plants then you will want somewhere over 2.5 wpg IMO. If you want a lower tech, lower maintenace tank with lower light plants, then PC is really your only option. MH is always a somewhat high light situation in an aquarium.

Then, IMO, its kind of a personal preference thing. I personally prefer open top tanks lit with MH pendants suspended above the tank. Open top is the only way to go with MH IMO. I like the reflections on the ceiling and the way the light looks in the tank. If you do go with MH, three 150 or 175 watt pendants would be optimal with 6500K bulbs. You should have CO2 with this type of lighting. I use the 175watt single ended bulbs. I hear some great things about the 150W double ended HQI bulbs, but I don't really know that much about them and they are more expensive then the single ended bulbs.

Power compacts, you will have a more traditional strip light or hood situation. I would suggest a four bulb 96 watt setup if you have CO2. If not go with less. I like the 6700K and 9352K bulbs. I hope this helps!