I want to start a 55 or maybe a 100-150 gallon reef tank. I was just wondering what would be a better choice of light? Metal Halide or Power compact? I want to stay away from having to use a chiller if possible.
Metal Halide or Power Compact?
- Thread starter dannieboiz
- Start date
I have mh and still need my heater. Granted there is only 1 so far. I am waiting on the 2nd 1. Both suspended about 8" above the tank. With mh you can keep anything. With pc you are limited. Besides the shimmer effect with mh is just too cool.
that's another thing about having MH, hanging fixtures above the tank just kills the over all look in my opinion. Is there a way to put them underneath the canopy?>
For a reef tank that size, halides are probably the way to go. Better output per watt and the light just looks better to most people. I have mine inside the canopy, but modded so the lights are higher (about 10"), added a few fans, and the top is about 60% open.
There are a few shots of how I did it in this thread. If you have any talent, you can do it a lot better.
There are a few shots of how I did it in this thread. If you have any talent, you can do it a lot better.
I both i have a 250W 12,000k for the left 3 20w halognes for accent because the halide is on for less time than the PC's the PC's for the right are 2 55 watt one 10,000k and one 50/50 for a 48" 48 gallon
I found someone selling some Holophane Bantam 2000 MH for real cheap. Wondering if I can use it to retrofit into my canapy or does it have to be an aquarium specific MH. They're only 100 watts a pcs but if I use 4 of them that should be good enough given I end up with 100 gallon tank.. maybe remove the sockets and everything and retro it under the canopy. What do you think?
