Questions on MH

[typrobin]

hi all, i am upgrading to a 3 X 1.5 X 2 ft tank...i decide to leave the DSB in my sump so maybe 3-4inches of sand in my main tank....not intending to keep SPS juz some common LPS like hammers frogspawn mushies and zoo (having 2nd thoughts now). might wanna grow a mangrove plant also, not for the N03 purpose but i think it looks cute if it extends above my hood....

so my question is, wat kind of MH should i use....

some advised 2 X 150W,

others say 1 X 250W,

my pocket hinted PL

and my galfren sreamed "stop your stupid marine hobby!!"

i noticed there are 10kk bulbs and also 20kk bulbs....150W and 250W

all this numbers are driving me nuts and the numbers behind '$' is also driving me crazy....

any experts can enlighten me on the numbers??thanks...

[jc85]

Maybe this thread from AT will help u, lightings writeup.

[untouchables]

hi all, i am upgrading to a 3 X 1.5 X 2 ft tank...i decide to leave the DSB in my sump so maybe 3-4inches of sand in my main tank....not intending to keep SPS juz some common LPS like hammers frogspawn mushies and zoo (having 2nd thoughts now). might wanna grow a mangrove plant also, not for the N03 purpose but i think it looks cute if it extends above my hood....

so my question is, wat kind of MH should i use....

some advised 2 X 150W,

others say 1 X 250W,

my pocket hinted PL

and my galfren sreamed "stop your stupid marine hobby!!"

i noticed there are 10kk bulbs and also 20kk bulbs....150W and 250W

all this numbers are driving me nuts and the numbers behind '$' is also driving me crazy....

any experts can enlighten me on the numbers??thanks...

dude, i share ur pain. when i first looked at mh, advises were coming in thick and fast, and they are not necessary the same.

since ur going for lps only, u can stay with 150W but go for 2 units for even distribution and can hang 9" fr water level. but if going for one unit, need to put very near water.

i personally suggest u go for one 250W as what i have (although now im regretting it cos i want sps and thus need 1x400W or 2x250W).

if u like slighly blue colour, ie not normal daylight yellow or white, take 20K Kelvin bulb. im using BLV and the blue is sufficient such that u dont need to use actinic blue lights.

so in summary, make sure you are sticking to lps and not eyeing sps cos upgrading is always gonna cost more $$$.

cheers!

[ah^siao]

MH u'll need chiller also... mayb if u dun intend to keep sps or those more light dependent corals.. u can go for t5.. it's coller than MH

[jd_n]

Y u guys always have the impression tat sps must have 400W or better still the SUN. W/o the proper readup, equipments, tank maturity and stable quality water condition.....1000W also no use

[Nautical]

typrobin, i am in the same predicament. i will not be around for about three weeks to read this thread. i am going on holiday, lost in the woods without internet.

so, please do a favour, PM me on your final decision, as i may follow you. thanks.