Qns about Metal Halides

[CooL_anakin]

I'm planning to upgrade to MH but have a few qns in mind. I was wondering what should the distance between the MH and the water be?

If i'm planning to use Iwasakis, would 4 55W PL actinics be enough to balance the yellow colour? For Iwasakis, What ballast would fire it with maximum PAR or efficiency? Thanks

[hoppinghippos]

yeah I also am interested to know the height of MH to water, can anyone advise pls?

[alanseah]

it will be around 6" to 8"

some do put then at around 4" to 5" but bear in mind they diy those MH themself and uses fan to cool it down.

If not 6" to 7" is the recommended height

[SharkBait]

Usually, we place them 8-10 inches above the water level.This is to prevent water from accidentally splashing onto the bulb in operation. The difference in temperature might course the bulb to crack or even explode. But bear in mind that the higher the bulb is placed, the more intensity it loses.

[CooL_anakin]

I see... How about my qn on the iwasaki and actinics? Is 4 pls enough? And are MH pendants good? Something like the 1 in the attached pic, but not the same.

[SharkBait]

You will need actinic supplement unless you like yellowish tanks. 2 tubes should be more then enough to offset the color.Pendants are just about as good as the design of their reflectors. Normal MV ballast should be able to fire the sakis with good par.

[CooL_anakin]

MV ballasts? Erm, I'm having a 36'x18'x18' tank. With about 2 inch of sand bed. Should i go for 150's or 250's? No harm having more "power" right? Or is it totally irrelevant? Thanks

[SharkBait]

It depends on what you are keeping. With 150W, you can keep most corals without any problem. SPS will require more intense lighting

[CooL_anakin]

If i'm planning on clams, Is 1 250W SE Iwasaki+Actinics enough? Thanks...

[SharkBait]

Should be enough. Though i must remind you that maximas do require more light then other clams.

[CooL_anakin]

Thanks... So putting them above can help right? Or is it best i avoid them due to insufficient lighting?

[Seawater]

I saw Re*bor* and other lfs using just T5 only to light up their show tank and all the corals, clams, etc were fully open. Is T5 sufficient for main lighting? Its also much cooler. Is Deltec T5 any good?

Thanks.

[Oceandeep]

Bro,

T5 is very bright... I got 2 pcs of 21watt... the effect just like MH...

and cost me $50 for both..

[CooL_anakin]

Anyone can recommend a good place for me to get my ballasts n Iwasaki?

[CooL_anakin]

Help? I need to know where to get wood for the canopy too.

=)

[dr evil]

hi bro,

if u need help to customise a hood...do let me noe.