How much light is needed ?

[rachelgal]

hi, i am quite new to all these technical stuff. Can i know how much light will be needed to properly substain a 3FT tank wit corals ? thanks

[Chris]

If you want to add hard corals, go for a 150 Watt Metal Halide. If you only want fish and some simple mushrooms and softies, 2 to 4 10000K PL lights can do too.

[rachelgal]

yes, henry mention about the metal halite but it cost starbucks... can't afford such ex stuffs now.

expensive hobby we have here..

looking for cheaper option.

[r$ch$e]

U can DIY the MHs.

For a 150W MH 10k, it won't cost u more than $250 if you DIY.

If you going to buy 4 10000k pl, it will cost you say $180?

IMHO, it will be better as you won't hv 2 upgrade liao...

Furthermore the single bulb can last 4 2 years and u only change one....

U hv 2 change the 4 pl say in 1.5 years time???

IMHO.... Just do yr maths.... Tat if u can take care of e heat issue.

Happy New Year to all!!!!!

[Tanzy]

MH is cheapest on the long run. Pays for itself over 2 years and a bit. Although I don't agree a MH bulb can be used for 2 years. Even Iwasaki bulbs are dumped after 1.5 years.

[BarraCudaTM]

PL tubes cannot last more than 1 year .. I would recommend you to change every 9 months

[Wei]

FOr MH, i change every 9 mths/1yr depending on how much the colour swift.

Wei

[pospeh]

I follow the manufacturer's suggstion on changing MH bulbs.

My AB bulb is rated as 6000 hours, so change after 1.5 years.

[KingFish]

I guess its only fair to mentoin that Metal Halide lamps produce a lot of heat. To maintain a temperature suitable for a reef tank, you'll have to complement the MH with a chiller.

There are mentions of how MH makes more economical sense, but its the complements (chiller) and the running costs (electricity) which stays my hand