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View Full Version : How to Supplement MH?

NYDiesel
12/01/2010, 03:36 PM
Im switching over to MH on one of my tanks.2xIcecap 250 +Phoenix 14k.Length is 72" long.Was thinking of the best way to add dawn/dusk to this combo.My options are:

1st option.......2-3 Stunner strips spaced apart

2nd option......2 36"VHO/T5 or 1 48"

3rd option......48" Reefbrite

4th option......???

What would be the most cost effective way to get decent coverage/supplementation? Is it necessary to supplement?
northbay-reefer
12/01/2010, 05:13 PM
You can use the VHO/T5 option I would use 1 72" VHO actinics and 2-36" T5 blue plus. That is what I am using and love the color. A single Icecap 660 ballast should be able to handle it.
oscar.millan
12/01/2010, 06:06 PM
I absolutely love my stunner strips, although I think you would need at least 3 if not 4.

I have a 72x24x24, I started with two, up to four now of the blue type.
James77
12/01/2010, 06:09 PM
Not really neccesary to supplement, but it is great to tweak the color and for the dusk/dawn you want. I switched this year to the blue ReefBrite, and it is great. When you figure up the costs in electric and bulb replacement compared to VHO, it pays for itself in no time. I have a 36" in my 4x2x2 tank, and it lights the entire thing with no problem.
NYDiesel
12/01/2010, 06:09 PM
Does anybody have pics of the stunner strips? My tank dimensions are 72"x18"x16".I hoping i can get away with three
oscar.millan
12/01/2010, 07:46 PM
Three would work, honestly. I keep back and forth on whether on not I should keep the fourth one on there.
es1887
12/01/2010, 09:10 PM
You could just have the halides come on in a right to left order. I just did that on my tank so it wouldnt be such a dramatic change for the fish when the halides went off.
NYDiesel
12/05/2010, 09:43 AM
Anyone else?
My decision so far is:
3 stunner strips spaced apart or 1 48" reefbrite

Pics would be great!
NYDiesel
12/06/2010, 07:14 PM
Pictures! Pictures! lol
grigsy
12/06/2010, 08:45 PM
Go with VHOs.

That is the best way to suppliment metal halides.

Two 6 ft Super Actinics T12 VHOs will give you the best color out of your corals. Better than anything else IMO.
NYDiesel
12/06/2010, 08:50 PM
Only problem i see with VHOs are that they will be a pain to setup on my system.Also,im hoping a 48" reefbrite setup may give me just as good supplementation,less power consumption,similar price.
NYDiesel
12/06/2010, 08:59 PM
I would have to hang the lighting off of here.I think just setting up a LED fixture would be more efficient

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/3immer23/mail.jpg