Lighting Question

[mistya55]

My dad has a Metal Halide 400 watt light fixture. Its one of those that you buy in the hydroponic shops. Can I use it over my 55g tank? I know it has a rectangle hood and thats about all I know about it.

[05grandprix]

I was told that that size would had Been to much for my 65 since it produce so much heat I'd need a chiller

[SNAKEMANVET]

It all depends on the ballast,most commercial ballast won't fire-up properly on the type of bulbs we use.A 400 watt will work,but will need to be raised up,and both ends will not recieve as much light.

[dzones]

most of the hydroponic grow lights are at a K rating more designed for algae than coral also.

You should be able to pickup a 150-250 fairly cheap. I know I saw a few at the frag swap for like 75-100 bucks. are you wanting a DIY one that you can put right into your own canopy? or one with legs or a pendant "hang from above" style?

[mistya55]

I was just hoping this would work since I havent found a light for the 55 yet. Plus the price was right being free. He hasnt brought it over yet so I dont know much about it yet.

[techdiver]

That is a different type of reefer light. :)

We can keep an eye out for some lighting in case that one doesn't work out for you.

[dzones]

I have a 48" 4 bulb T5, a 60" 3x 250MH, and will soon have a 48" 6 bulb t5 tek light available.

[techdiver]

I have a 48" 4 bulb T5, a 60" 3x 250MH, and will soon have a 48" 6 bulb t5 tek light available.

Man, Dave. You take off into the hobby running. You have reef equipment running out of your ...... ears.

[05grandprix]

Misty I know Bruce has a viper 150mh clamp on for sale

[SNAKEMANVET]

Hey dave, I am interested in the 48'' x 6 t5.

[mistya55]

Would the 150 watt be enough for a 55, or would I need more?

dzones would you pm me about the lights?

[dzones]

Would the 150 watt be enough for a 55, or would I need more?

Probably would need more to keep much of anything past mushrooms.

I will pm you later when I get home. I am pretending to be at work right now
:frog:

[05grandprix]

If a 150 wont do much on her tank I guess I need another for mine. I've got 150 cube with a 250mh and 4 t-5s guess I need to order the 400w mh will the 250 be enough or upgrade thanks misty for askin about lighting hope u don't mind I got in on asking question. Btw your raspberry should be here for the meeting

[dzones]

If a 150 wont do much on her tank I guess I need another for mine.

Not necessarily.
Depth plays a big role. A 55g is typically 21" deep and at the top level more light required corals will do ok but as you get deeper less light will penetrate and a 150w light will just not get to the lower levels all that well. Now depending on the corals you want to keep it may be just fine.
"watts per gallon" are not all that comes into play on this.

[05grandprix]

Dzones my tank is 36 long 36 wide 27 tall running 250w 10,000k mh with 4 39w T-5s
Look in my post about tomorrows project pics are up. If I need another mh or a bigger I will

[05grandprix]

Btw what's is the difference between the following

10,000k
15,000k
20,000k

Mh bulbs

[dzones]

That may be a little on the low side of lighting but most importantly, what are you wanting to keep for corals?
I think if it were me I would probably go with 2x 250 for better coverage instead of a single bulb of 400.

The bulbs are measured in "k" or kelvin which signifies the temperature of the burn. Typically the higher the K rating the more blue you get..BUT, I have found the brand of the bulb makes the most difference. Check some web images on google and you will see what I mean.
You could take 4 different manufacturer 10k bulbs and they all burn different colors.

[05grandprix]

Well misty I guess I will be in market for another 250 I found some on e bay for 169 ( mogul style )

[mistya55]

Hmm I'll have to look on ebay. Or I may just go with a fixture Bruce has. Its a 4 bulb T5 fixture. I think I am gonna try to get a light next weekend. This weekend I am getting some more live rock. I have a plain fluorescent on it at the moment. I do believe this hobby is a drug, always needing something...

[05grandprix]

I hope its not the wave point 4 bulb 36 inch I bought that Friday For my 150 tank

[mistya55]

no its a 48 inch. it was still there today. i go there way too much...

[05grandprix]

O ok I see... Dzone keep a eye out for a 250mh I can put in the canopy