OK...I have a 36x18x24 (65 gal) tank. I am curently running a Coralife 36" Freshwater 2x96 192W light. I am now convinced that, based on poor plant growth at lower depths, that metal halide lighting is necessary for my deep tank. Although I'm not clueless, I am no where near proficient in what is necessary for optimum application of metal halide lighting. Any information that can be provided will be appreciated. Thanks
Metal Halide help...
- Thread starter Mytus
- Start date
...this is my third tank (10 gal, 29 gal) and for some reason, the most difficult. The first two were easy...but when I added depth, I lost my green thumb. If I try to put new plants in this new tank, they don't seem to take. I pulled some mature plants from other tanks and they seem to be doing fine, but their growth seems to be slowed. My research has led me to believe that MH will provide a more consistent level of light penetration and should correct my trouble with plant growth at greater depths. ...ay ideas on MH?
depends on how much cash you wanna put out and the tank furniture..
retrofit:installed into the canopy
Fixture: stands on legs about 4-6 inches from the top.. canopy cannot be used
Pedant: hangs from ceiling and has an adjustable cord or extension
clip on: clips to the back edge of your tank (might need 2-3)
on a 65 gallon you would run a 250 watt 14 K that gives you about 4 watts a gallon
pricing is about $250-$700
(retrofit) (Fixture)
retrofit:installed into the canopy
Fixture: stands on legs about 4-6 inches from the top.. canopy cannot be used
Pedant: hangs from ceiling and has an adjustable cord or extension
clip on: clips to the back edge of your tank (might need 2-3)
on a 65 gallon you would run a 250 watt 14 K that gives you about 4 watts a gallon
pricing is about $250-$700
(retrofit) (Fixture)
are you adding co2 or ferts? are the old tanks more stocked then the new ones? i have a 2 foot tall tank. i have t9 bulbs and CF lights and never seem to have any problems. i think its another factor you might have overlooked.
how about tank size vs stocking? Have you considered that your plants grow off the byproducts of the waste in the tank? How are the nitrAte levels in your 65 vs the levels in your smaller tanks? Before I removed my rotting driftwood, my african lilypad went through a giant growth spurt, producing 7 new leaves in the course of a week or 2. I guess what I'm trying to say is take everything into consideration. Personally, I prefer to look at the least expensive and then build up to the most. How about tank placement? Are the smaller tanks exposed to more natural light? Is it feasible to move the tank into natural light?