Advice on affordable metal halides

[katphish]

Tank is 48" long. I know fans are a must. What else should I look for when buying halides for the first time? Whats the difference between doubled ended and single ended? Is there an affordable off brand model option? :uhoh3:

[RAG_83]

The link below is one option another is check locally for used light
http://www.aquatraders.com/48-716W-Metal-Halide-T5-LED-Combo-p/54267.htm

[HippieSmell]

Define affordable.

[ct_vol]

I always recommend going with a canopy and some decent reflectors with T5/VHO actinic supplementation... To me you get more bang for your buck than with all in one lighting systems... JMO... ;)

[moondoggy4]

Some of the cheapest lighting is used MH systems, you will need 50 post and 90 days to but in the used section, this will give you time to read and do research, unless you need the lighting now.

[James77]

Yeah there are some serious steals in the halide area. If you are setting up a first tank, then 3 months is a good waiting period before any type of corals any way ;)

As an example, I bought the halide lighting for my 75 off here. It is 2 LumenMax 3 150w pendants, a dual Blue Wave 150 watt ballast, and 2 near new Phoenix bulbs for $225 shipped.

[grigsy]

Halides are awesome. My favorite type of lighting by far and I have used all different types.

For a 4 Ft tank, you should consider two 250 watt 14K or 20K metal halide pendants or a system with Metal Halide + T5 HO actinics.

Both will give you great growth and good color.

[jerpa]

I always recommend going with a canopy and some decent reflectors with T5/VHO actinic supplementation... To me you get more bang for your buck than with all in one lighting systems... JMO... ;)

^This

You can use less wattage to light the same area and it costs less than the fixtures that incorporate efficient reflectors. You can also mitigate a lot of the heat issues with proper reflectors. I would also look locally for used equipment. Undamaged reflectors never wear out and there are deals to be had with so many adopting LEDs.

[Dapg8gt]

I also recommend used. Buy quality stay away from the cheaper all in one units the price point is only initial.. After you factor in replacing all the bulbs it's just a small if any savings. Plus you still are stuck with crappy reflectors. Quality used is the best bet to save money and get the most out of your setup..

[SGT_York]

Certainly buy the $100 type reflectors much better than the $20 ones. I decided on 250MH with DIY LED acitinic kit. nearly similar in price to T5's easy to do.

You're not from texas are you!

[kevensquint]

HQI is often available as a all in one canopy with T5 supplementation. The SE is more a DIY that you build into a canopy. Its usually the cheapest hardware. For HQI, I prefer 250w Phoenix 14k. For SE, Radium 20k 250w.