150W or 250W Metal Halide for my tank? Suggestions?

dutchswan

Member
47 Gallon that is 30" tall. Keep in mind LR moves the surface where the corals would be up about 8" - 12"....so the light only needs to travel 20" - 22". I don't want to do a pendant or a clip-on...kind of looking at something like this: http://www.aquacave.com/20-sunpod-1x...-usa-1995.html
Has anyone else ran across a traditional setup in the 150W to 250W for sale in a 20" model?
 

dutchswan

Member
Originally Posted by jamesvishiou
http:///forum/post/3284085
please don't post any competitors on this site. i would guess a 250. i'm not exactly sure.
Competition is when you put one store who sells product "A" against another store who sells product "A". Saltwaterfish.com does not sell product "A" where A = 150W or 250W Metal Halide Fixture @ 20" Wide. Therefore, if this site does not sell it, then I am not asking for competitors to be posted. Simply, I am asking where to find what I need, which is not sold on this site :)
 

meowzer

Moderator
I think the light you pictured would be fine..BUT...it has no actinics.....actinics add something that corals need too....
 

jackri

Active Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3284096
I think the light you pictured would be fine..BUT...it has no actinics.....actinics add something that corals need too....
Which is?
Metal Halides are fine without supplemental lighting.
 

florida joe

Well-Known Member
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The Marineland Marine Series Pro Metal Halide 1X150W HQI & 4X24W T5, 24 inch Fixture is a sophisticated 24 hour lighting system with HQI metal halide lamps, T5 High Output lamps and LEDs for night lighting. This high end fixture is the perfect light for reef aquariums. The built in timer gives you independent control over the HQI, T5 and LED lights, and the single cord and internal ballasts minimize the clutter.
Features:
*
Every light is thoroughly tested and Marineland's product support is unmatched (see Inspection Record example). Marineland will repair your light under warranty even if it means they need to send a technician to your home!
* Dimensions: 23.5" X 16" X 4" (the legs raise the fixture off the tank 2.5")
* Single 12 ft. cord for easiest installation and maintenance
* One High intensity 14,000K HQI metal halide lamp
* Four 24W HO T5 actinic lamps to intensify the blue wavelengths
* Two 1 Watt LED accent lights to replicate moonlight and help coral reproduction and nighttime viewing and feeding
* Internal electronic ballasts
*
Interchangeable accent strips (pictured below)
* Adjustable legs included. The legs will raise the fixture off the tank 2.5". The legs can extend up to 25" and will push in as far as needed to accommodate 18" and 20" tanks.
* One fan
*
Integrated 3-mode digital timer, for a completely customizable light profile. The metal halide, T5 HO and LED lights can be individually controlled with the integrated timer (detail photo below)
 

posiden

Active Member
I too would go with the 250W. The supplementation is really only going to give you extra pop in coral color. Things will still look fantastic with out any supplementation. Just get a higher K bulb. 14,000 - 20,000K.
 

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by jackri
http:///forum/post/3284177
Which is?
Metal Halides are fine without supplemental lighting.
TRUE...BUT....with MH's , the actinics are useful for the dawn/dusk time period.....You can also run the actinics for 12-16 hours, and you would never run the MH that long
Personally.....I like the look the actinics add along with the MH.....let's just say that
 

btldreef

Moderator
I've always felt that although with Metal halides you don't need need the supplementation of the actinic lights, having the actinics on first and then turning on the halide bulb, it shocks the corals/fish less.
 
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