Thinking of Going MHs

[Kdocimo90]

I have a 210g lps/softy tank (for the most part) and I have the 72" Constellation T-5 Fixture (14 39w bulbs. I've always wanted to go MH for that awesome shimmer so I have a question.

I already have a dual 175 watt Hamilton ballast that seems to be running great, so I was wondering if 3 or 4 175w halides would do the trick. The tank is 28" deep, so it is pretty deep, but again, I'm only keeping softies and LPS corals.

I really like that deep blue look, not so intensely blue that nothing really looks natural though. What should I go with? Do you think I'll NEED actinic supplements? I'd like to stray away from any large additional costs.

Thanks.

[drock59]

have you considered LED? They offer a pretty good shimmer.

[Kdocimo90]

have you considered LED? They offer a pretty good shimmer.

Are you referring to LED supplements or an entire LED fixture?

[syrinx]

I have 175s on my 28 deep tank and its fine for lps and softies. I do add actinic light as well. I use the XM20K bulbs, which at the time had the best par for a 20K- might want to research that. While 250s or 400s will punch more light in, and would allow you to keep anything you could imagine- many people running larger wattages, end up shortening their photoperiods to either save money or no overilliminate their corals. If you were looking at 150DE I would say go 250- but I think 175SE will be a good fit.

[Agu]

From what I've read you can run part of the bulbs in the Constellation fixture. Why not add the MH in front of the t5s and then mix and match the fluoro bulbs to get the color you want ? To save money you don't have to run all the rows of bulbs in the Constellation.

[Kdocimo90]

From what I've read you can run part of the bulbs in the Constellation fixture. Why not add the MH in front of the t5s and then mix and match the fluoro bulbs to get the color you want ? To save money you don't have to run all the rows of bulbs in the Constellation.

I've definitely considered that. I was just thinking about it again, but There doesn't seem to be any room to fit a MH in there. I honestly only need 1 MH if I were going to do this. I've really only got maybe 4 or 5 inches in the canopy (I should mention that my halides are retrofit).

I'll show a picture:

[Kdocimo90]

This is what my canopy looks like. I've only got the few inches in the front.. I can TRY to push the fixture back, underneath the little legs that rest on the tank, but idk if that will work.. that will give me an extra 2 maybe 3 inches. I could possibly angle the halide on the part that flips up and run the wire above the T-5 fixture, but wouldn't it be a pain to open and close the canopy, as well as angling the reflectors so tight?

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn126/Kdocimo90/Untitled-2.png

[Kdocimo90]

^^^

[125G Reefer]

Yea, go with the halides. That'll do ya. If you use 20k you won't have to run Actinics. Besides the actinics are a color popper anyway, or preference. 3 Halides will work for ya.

[Kdocimo90]

^^^

[KyleO]

I have a 210ga. Started out with MHs and went to LEDs after about a year to try and beat the heat. Had the LEDs for about 1.5 years and went back to MHs due to the coral growth slow down. Once I had MHs back in place, SPS picked back up.

Although the color adjust-ability of the LED fixtures cannot be beat, save yourself some serious cash and go with MHs for unbeatable shimmer and SPS growth.

Just my opinion of course.

[Potsy]

For bulbs, consider the iwasaki 15k. It has more par than most 250w bulbs and is a crisp white with a hint of blue.

[SlickSkimmer19]

Go with the 20K XM's and no actinic supplementation should be needed imo (it all depends what kind of "look" you are looking for).

Good luck

[Kdocimo90]

Anyone have any insight on adding 1 MH as a supplement to my T-5s?

[syrinx]

If I were you I would hook up the two you have, get the iwasaki15s, maybe go bluer with some of the t5s and see what you get. Then you can just add another or two down the line if you want to.

[Agu]

Even with the halides I'd suggest supplemental actinic lighting. I miss the dusk and dawn glow from actinics.

[KyleO]

even with the halides i'd suggest supplemental actinic lighting. I miss the dusk and dawn glow from actinics.

+1

[Kdocimo90]

what I am suggesting is going with 1 MH and keeping my constellation fixture, first.

[125G Reefer]

What would be the point of just adding one MH?

[Kdocimo90]

for the shimmer.

[cilyjr]

I think you would get the shimmer where the mh was. I mean it would have a spot light effect. Also surface agitation has alot to do with the shimmer you want. The more agitation the greater it will be. I don't think that the 175 are sufficient lights for a 210 tank. I believe things will survive but maybe not at their best. I could be wrong but I think your choices of bulbs are more limited as well

[Kdocimo90]

What do you mean by "where the mh was"? I'm not sure I understand.

[cilyjr]

if you only have one in the middle you will only get limited "shimmer effect" in the middle of your tank

[Kdocimo90]

When I put it on there seemed to be a very large widespread of shimmer; almost reached both ends of the tank.

[cilyjr]

If you are happy with it, Then I'd say do it!

[KyleO]

I the same size tank as you and have a six foot MH fixture with (3) 250W and (2) 150W lights. I also have a T5 fixture in the back with (2) 55W Actinics. When the 150W MH bulbs are on along with the T5, you see some shimmer. When the 250W MHs are on, there is shimmer galore (especially when the T5 is off).

I have a feeling that once you start adding MHs, and you see what I am talking about, you will be adding more MHs.

Start with one and see how you like it..........

[Kdocimo90]

That's a lot of halides KyleO lol. I'm trying to stay away from having to get a chiller as well. I should have mentioned that. I may just end up selling my Constellation fixture and replacing it with a used MH fixture.

Just out of curiosity, what do your mh bulbs usually last you?

[KyleO]

I replace them every year...........

BTW, I do have a chiller but it rarely comes on. I have a powerful (vortech) fan that blows across the top of the tank (no canopy) that keeps the temp surprisingly cool and constant.

[Pallobi]

imo, i would think 3 or 4, 175 watt halides would do jus fine over your tank, but thats jus me...

good luck with whatever you choose Kevin! im sure it will look schweeet! :)